Haritha Karma Sena (Green Action Force) – Key Facts

Kerala government has proposed to form “Haritha Karma Sena (Green Action Force) to collect and segregate waste from city households for transporting it to solid waste treatment facility at Kochi Corporation.

Highlights

• Proposal to constitute the action force has been included in the draft bylaw in order to streamline municipal solid waste management system in the city.
• Draft legislation was framed in accordance with Section 33 of the Kerala Municipalities Act.
• It was discussed by health standing committee of the Corporation recently and now it will be placed before the Corporation council for approval.
• Clearance from State Government is also required for the bylaw to come into force.

What was the need for this legal framework?

The policy framework was required for the civic body to handle plastic, solid & liquid waste; electronic & other waste and for managing hazardous waste created by industrial units. It was needed to keep the city clean as well as to prevent dumping of waste on roads & other public places.

What entities are covered under the bylaw?

The new drafted bylaw covers all sections of society ranging from individual households, industrial units and traders.

About Green Action Force

The Green Action Force will be created in all divisions of the civic body. Each unit will be covering around 200 houses in the division. Residents of each division will be members of the Green Action Force, ideally. If enough members are not identified from a division, then those living within the Corporation limits will be selected. Members of the units will collect refuse from doorstep of residents. Non-biodegradable, degradable and sanitary waste will be collected separately on pre-designated dates and will be transported to vehicles engaged by the civic body. They will also keep an eye on illegal dumping of waste in water bodies and public places.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2021