Kerala High Court: In a suo motu writ petition initiated by High Court, after seeing news visuals about the food poisoning incident in an Anganwadi in Ponnuruni, the division bench of Bechu Kurian Thomas* and Gopinath P, JJ. instructed the Secretary of the Kochi Corporation, or the responsible authority, to file an affidavit detailing the steps being taken to clear the filth from the city’s drains and prevent the accumulation of plastic and other waste in these areas, as well as in the rivers and backwaters. Additionally, the Secretary of the Local Self Government was directed to submit an affidavit regarding the agencies responsible for waste collection and disposal from local authorities, hospitals, and other bulk waste generators. The Court emphasized the importance of tracking how these agencies manage and dispose of the waste they collect. Furthermore, the Amicus Curiae was asked to submit a brief report identifying areas that require the Court’s attention concerning the accumulation of waste in drains.
The Court said that it convened a special sitting in response to a news broadcast about the poisoning of several children at an Anganwadi in Ponnurunni, Kochi. The visuals shown on the news highlighted a drainage running adjacent to the Anganwadi, which was filled with filth to the brim.
The Court expressed deep concern over the situation, calling it an embarrassment for the entire city to witness such a massive accumulation of waste without any action taken to remove it.
The Court was informed of an alarming incident where waste generated in Kerala was being dumped in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. The Court has previously raised concerns about the necessity for the government to monitor the methods employed by agencies responsible for waste collection and disposal. It expressed deep concern over the haphazard and unlawful disposal of Kerala’s waste in the neighboring state, which violates legal requirements for waste management. The Court stressed that such instances must be avoided, emphasizing the need for proper tracking and regulation of waste disposal practices to ensure environmental safety and compliance with legal norms.
The Court directed the report to be filed before the next hearing, scheduled for10-01-2025.
[Suo motu writ petition initiated by High Court v. State of Kerala, WP(C) No. 7844 of 2023(S), decided on 23-12-2024]
*Order Authored by: Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas
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