The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) has asked the Thrikkakara Municipality to remit ₹4.1 crore as environment compensation for its failure to comply with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
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The order was issued by the PCB Chairman as per Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. The assessment period is from April 9, 2019 to December 31, 2020. The board’s action is part of measures taken on the directive of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for non-compliance with the Solid Waste Management norms and in accordance with the ‘polluter pays’ principle.
According to the board, the civic body has been continuously violating rules by refusing to adopt suitable solid waste management measures. The municipality is still disposing biodegradable waste at the dumping yard of the Kochi Corporation at Brahmapuram, which is in a dilapidated state.
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The order said that non-biodegradable waste was being disposed of in violation of rules at the hazardous landfill of Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Ltd., which is meant for disposal of hazardous waste.
A show-cause notice was served on the municipality on February 18, 2021, asking why environment compensation should not be recovered from it. The Municipal Secretary submitted a reply on February 26, 2022, pointing out that the coverage of door-to-door waste collection from households and other establishments was only 40% and 45% respectively.
There are no adequate material recovery and plastic waste recycling facilities and composting, biomethanation and construction and demolition waste management facilities.
The order said that instructions were issued repeatedly to the municipal authorities to comply with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. According to the rules, the civic body should have set up adequate facilities for management of solid waste by April 8, 2019.