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New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Kerala's stray dog management under scanner as dog bites and rabies deaths spike
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The rise in stray dog attacks and rabies deaths have yet again reignited debates over the state's handling of the stray dog menace. Inefficiency of the local self-government institutions (LSGI) in utilising funds for implementing projects for stray dog management is cited as one of the main reasons for the rise in the attacks. As per official data, over the past two years, the LSGIs spent only Rs 13.59 crore out of the total allocation of Rs 98.93 crore. Over 1.65 lakh people have been bitten by stray dogs in Kerala in the past five months, leading to 17 deaths. The other day, Kerala State Human Rights Commission pulled up the state government demanding an action plan for managing stray dogs. Meanwhile, the LSGD is blaming the Central law for poor management of stray dogs. However, a social media post by bureaucrat N Prasanth in response to the Facebook post by LSG Minister M B Rajesh has further sparked debate. Prasanth countered Rajesh's argument, stating that the state had broader legislative options. Prasanth told TNIE that animal welfare is a subject in the Concurrent List of the Constitution, enabling states to pass context-specific laws. Citing Tamil Nadu's legislation on Jallikattu and Kerala's own 1968 law banning animal sacrifice, he said that Kerala could enact a specific law -- such as a Kerala Public Safety and Aggressive Animals Regulation Act -- to regulate or remove violent stray animals. With mounting pressure, a meeting has been called by LSGD and animal husbandry department on July 16 to discuss solutions for the crisis. Minister Rajesh told TNIE that the state has sought legal advice multiple times to address the stray dog menace and there is no such provisions to bring a legal framework to kill aggressive dogs. 'There is a Supreme Court ruling and as per existing laws, the state can only sterilise and vaccinate stray dogs. The law also restricts killing of rabid dogs and as per rule, a rabid dog should be left to die. If it was legally possible, the state would have done it already. If there is a possibility for a legal framework, we will definitely do it. This law is applicable for every state in the country and none of the other states has come up with such a law for culling dogs,' said Rajesh.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
LSGD formulates policy on Extended Producer Responsibility for handling non-biodegradable waste
The Local Self-Government department (LSGD) has formulated a policy on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), aimed at significantly reducing the waste burden on local bodies by incentivising producers to reduce waste and to invest in recycling initiatives. As part of the policy, a system of incentives will be implemented to reward material producers, especially indigenous who exceed recycling and reduction targets and penalties for those who fail to meet their obligations. The Industries department will allocate land in industrial estates and parks for recycling for monitoring and penalising entities who have EPR obligations and do not abide by the EPR mandate. The local bodies will support the State Pollution Control Board in monitoring activities. The policy also proposes that the government procurement policies will have to mandate that 5% of materials purchased by government offices and schemes must be composed of recycled materials. Sales benefits such as discounts in taxes and additional incentives will also be extended to promote recycled products in the market. Recycling units currently operational or to be established in the State will receive discounted land rates and electricity tariffs, including a power tariff subsidy of ₹2 per unit for the first five years of operation. Allocating 10% of land in industrial parks and estates for recycling purposes, ensuring uniformity across regions, promoting the establishment of recycling facilities in industrial zones and 50% subsidised land leases in industrial parks for green enterprises are some of the other proposals in the policy. Stakeholders' duties Financial incentives and extended repayment schedules for term loans supporting recycling projects are also proposed. Widespread education and awareness campaigns will be conducted to inform all stakeholders of their roles and responsibilities under the EPR framework. This includes educating consumers on proper disposal practices and the benefits of recycling. The funds for such awareness sessions as per the rules will be provided by producers, importers, manufactures and brandowners of respective waste streams like plastics, e-waste, tyres, oil and battery. Advanced technologies will be adopted for waste sorting, processing, and recycling that can handle complex waste streams more efficiently. This may include automated sorting lines, advanced mechanical and chemical recycling methods, and digital platforms for tracking waste flows. Innovation in product design that facilitates easier recycling and less waste will be encouraged and supported through research and development incentives for producers. All products, including plastic packaging, electronic materials, tyres, oil, and batteries, must feature clear and standardised marking and labelling to facilitate proper waste management and compliance with EPR regulations. Mandatory information on labels includes a recycling symbol specific to the type of waste, the EPR registration number, the manufacturer's name and contact information, the date of manufacture, and instructions for proper disposal or recycling.
New Indian Express
30-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Slump hits LSGIs' waste management efforts, department launches grassroots-level review
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Local Self Government Institutions (LSGIs) in the state are witnessing a decline in waste management performance, raising concerns about the sustainability of the much-lauded Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam campaign. Enforcement and waste collection activities have slowed down following the campaign's peak in March. These LSGIs were declared garbage-free on March 30, coinciding with the observance of Zero Garbage Day. In response, the LSG department (LSGD) has launched a comprehensive grassroots-level review to identify low-performing local bodies. The review will analyse monthly trends in waste collection and disposal to flag areas that show a dip in performance. According to data with the Clean Kerala Company Ltd (CKCL), it processed over 7,000 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste from LSGIs in March 2025. However, this declined to 6,500 tonnes in April — a 6% drop. 'We have identified the issue and are reviewing the situation at the grassroots. A meeting with presidents and secretaries of LSGIs is scheduled from July 3 to 5 to assess the situation,' LSGD Minister M B Rajesh told TNIE. The declaration on March 30 was celebrated as a milestone, with 1,195 out of 1,200 LSGIs certified as garbage-free following rigorous evaluation. However, the current dip in performance has raised alarm. 'Sans regular auditing and accountability, the garbage-free status may remain only on paper,' said an official associated with the campaign. 'Despite months of awareness efforts, the public attitude has not changed significantly. Enforcement must be strengthened and violators need to be penalised if we are to sustain momentum of the campaign,' Rajesh said. With local body elections approaching, enforcement has taken a back seat in many LSGIs. 'Once elections are declared, the campaign may lose momentum. Anticipating this, LSGD is taking steps to ensure the system remains functional even during election phase,' said a source. The LSGD has assigned internal vigilance officers the mandatory responsibility of dedicating two or three days a week exclusively to waste management oversight.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Technical sanction pending, Thanal project faces delay
T'puram: The ambitious Thanal Housing Project, aimed at rehabilitating residents of the decades-old Vikalanga Colony at Muttathara, faces a prolonged delay as it awaits crucial technical sanction from the local self-govt department (LSGD). Despite groundwork preparation and the selection of a contractor, construction is yet to begin. Technical sanction for the revised project estimate, which exceeds Rs 2.5 crore, has been delayed. According to regulations, any project costing more than Rs 2.5 crore requires mandatory approval from LSGD's chief engineer. Though the city corporation submitted its proposal earlier this year, the inclusion of the outdated 2018 Delhi Schedule of Rates (DSR) prompted the need for revisions. The project's total cost is Rs 20 crore. "With the DSR revised this year, the project estimate must be updated accordingly. We are in the process of revising the proposal and will resubmit it shortly," a senior corporation official told TOI. "This is a critical step to ensure cost accuracy and avoid hurdles during execution," the official said. To expedite the process, mayor Arya Rajendran met with the LSGD chief engineer last week. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Pelajari Undo Sources said the engineer assured the mayor that the sanction would be granted within 10 days. Despite awarding the construction contract to Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) last year, the project has not seen any major activity on site. ULCCS representatives said foundation work can begin once technical sanction is received. "The cost is likely to increase slightly with the updated DSR," said a ULCCS official. Currently, 99 families, many of whom are persons with disabilities, reside in Vikalanga Colony in extremely challenging conditions. An anganwadi also operates in the area, highlighting the urgent need for new housing infrastructure. The colony, established nearly 48 years ago, earned its name because its population primarily comprised individuals with disabilities. The Thanal project plans to construct a two-storey residential complex across two acres originally designated for rehabilitating fishermen affected by sea erosion. Each of the 136 apartments will have 550 sq ft of living space, with four houses in each block. Initially, the project was designed as a three-storey structure, but height restrictions imposed by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) forced the civic body to downscale it. A senior corporation official, however, stated: "This project remains a top priority for the corporation. We are pushing for quick approval and expect construction to begin soon after sanction is received," he said. Once started, the project is expected to be completed within 18 months. Thanal project is an initiative aimed at providing housing to vulnerable communities, specifically flood victims and fishermen affected by sea erosion. The state govt incorporated Vikalanga Colony into it.
New Indian Express
21-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Nearly half of Wayanad's tourism constructions illegal: Government study
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Nearly half of all tourism-related constructions in Wayanad are operating without a valid licence, according to a study by the local self-government department. The comprehensive report, released last week on sustainable and responsible tourism, has uncovered widespread regulatory violations, rampant illegal operations, and blatant environmental disregard affecting the district's tourism sector. The study by the planning wing of the department revealed that nearly half of all tourism establishments in Wayanad -- including resorts, homestays, and serviced villas -- are operating illegally. Only 56% of these properties hold the mandatory LSGD licence, a mere 16% are registered under GST, and just 53% have secured consent from the Pollution Control Board (PCB) -- a critical requirement for ensuring environmental compliance and responsible operations. One of the most alarming revelations is the unchecked operation of tourism properties within environmentally sensitive and hazardous zones. Numerous establishments have been built or are under construction in designated High Hazard Zones (HHZ) or within 500-metre buffer zones identified for landslide and flood vulnerability. These zones are particularly fragile given Wayanad's history of tragic landslides and frequent human-wildlife conflicts. Yet, many tent stays and resorts in these regions lack even basic safety measures such as fencing or emergency response infrastructure. Meanwhile, Wayanad district panchayat president Samshad Marakkar has called for crackdown on illegal tourist establishments. Expressing concern over the growing number of tourist accidents linked to unauthorised resorts and accommodations, he said that many of these facilities operate without the knowledge of local bodies. 'Several of these resorts are located in remote, inaccessible areas with poor or no road connectivity. In emergencies, rescue operations become extremely difficult,' he said. He added that the study would serve as a baseline document and that the district panchayat has recommended the formation of special inspection squads under each local body to identify, inspect, and take corrective action against illegal constructions.
