The fine way to a clean city

The fine way to a clean city
Monday June 2 2008 04:46 IST ENS

KOCHI: The waste management bylaw introduced by the Cochin Corporation for a Zero Waste Kochi came into effect on Sunday.

The bylaw clearly defines the citizens’ role in assisting the civic body and lays down the penalty for violation of its norms. Kochi is the first city in the state to implement such a bylaw.

To create awareness among the people of the city, the Corporation has allowed June as a grace period, during which time offences will invite only 50 percent of the fine. Fines will be exacted from July 1.

The use of plastic has been banned. A fine of Rs 500 will be exacted for production, distribution, procurement, sale or transportation of banned plastic products.

A second offence will invite a penalty of Rs 5,000, and a third offence Rs 10,000. A fourth offence will mean a fine of Rs 25,000 and six months imprisonment. Solid or liquid waste should not be dumped in public or private properties or in water bodies.

Bathing, spitting, urinating and defecating, slaughtering of animals and vehicle washing in public places is prohibited. The penal provisions of the bylaw are applicable not only to residents of the city but to visitors also. Residents will pay a monthly fee of Rs 30 to the Corporation for removal of segregated waste from houses.

Institutions which generate a large quantity of waste have to set up their own waste treatment systems or pay a fine of Rs 5,000. Rs 250 will be charged for littering in public places, for not keeping one’s house/building premises clean and for not segregating and handing over waste for disposal.