Solid waste generation during Onam season could soar to 4.2 lakh tonnes, says Keralam General Administration Department

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Keep this year’s Onam celebrations green and clean, the General Administration Department has urged government agencies and the public, observing that State-wide solid waste generation during the festival month could soar to as much as 4.2 lakh tonnes.

The department’s projection on the volume of solid waste is part of detailed guidelines issued to government departments soliciting strict adherence to green protocol during the celebrations. On a normal day Kerala generates about 10,004 tonnes of solid waste, according to an August 18 department order on the guidelines. But this sees an increase by about 40% per day during the Onam season.

“Therefore, on account of the special Onam celebrations organised by different organisations and government departments, the State has to handle 4,20,120 tonnes of solid waste in a month. This scenario poses a huge challenge to local self government institutions,” according to the General Administration Department.

Furthermore, littering and unscientific and indiscriminate disposal of waste in public spaces, waterbodies also lead to health problems, waterlogging and epidemics.

Prefacing its guidelines with the observation that “Onam combines prosperity and hygiene,” the General Administration Department noted that its guidelines are designed to reduce waste generation and promote scientific disposal and processing. Calling for cooperation from all around, the department noted that all regions of Kerala has the infrastructure and services of the Haritha Karma Sena for the collection of waste.

Furthermore, all government departments and local bodies have the duty to ensure a ‘Clean Kerala’ during Onam and to generate discussions on the topic, the order said, directing these agencies to draft action plans and implement them. Apart from providing tips to reduce waste generation, the guidelines list out the duties of government departments, traders, hotels, restaurants and street vendors, arts and sports clubs, youth organisations, educational institutions, residents’ associations, catering establishments and local self government institutions.

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