Latest news with #LocalSelf-GovernmentDepartment
India Today
18-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Kerala to launch stray dog vaccination drive, expand sterilisation centres
In an effort to address the growing issue of stray dogs in Kerala, the state government will launch a month-long vaccination drive for stray dogs starting in August. The initiative will be carried out jointly by the Local Self-Government Department and the Animal Husbandry Department. The decision was taken during a meeting attended by Local Self-Government Department Minister MB Rajesh and Animal Husbandry Minister J vaccination drive for pet dogs is scheduled to begin in September. As part of the broader plan, the government will also make it mandatory to obtain licences for pet state has also decided to invoke the euthanasia provision under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Animal Husbandry Practices and Procedures) Rules, 2023. Minister MB Rajesh stated that Section 8 of the rules pertains to euthanasia, and the government will act in accordance with this provision. He noted that one of the main challenges in managing the stray dog crisis is the public resistance to Animal Birth Control Centres. To address this, the meeting resolved that criminal cases will be registered against those who disrupt the operations of these the government plans to introduce 152 portable Animal Birth Control units at the block level across the state. Each unit will receive a financial allocation of Rs 28 lakh.- Ends IN THIS STORY#Kerala
New Indian Express
14-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Citizens to get reward for reporting waste dumping in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a move to boost public participation in curbing illegal waste dumping, the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) has revised the reward system for citizens reporting littering and related violations. As per a new order, those who provide valid evidence of such violations will now receive 25% of the fine imposed on offenders. Until now, local bodies were giving Rs 2,500 as a fixed reward for reporting violations. LSGD Minister M B Rajesh, in a release issued here, said the initiative is aimed at encouraging citizen involvement in monitoring waste violations in public spaces. He also directed local bodies to ensure that those who report such violations with evidence are duly rewarded. To strengthen enforcement, the department plans to expand its surveillance network by involving Haritha Karma Sena members, NSS volunteers, SPC cadets, college students, and other community groups. The WhatsApp number 9446700800, launched for hassle-free reporting, has already received an overwhelming response. A dedicated control room has been set up at the principal directorate of LSGD to handle the complaints. So far, 8,674 complaints have been received, with action taken on 5,361 cases supported by evidence. Of the resolved cases, 84.41% pertained to clean-up operations. Authorities have imposed fines totaling Rs 33.5 lakh, and legal proceedings have been initiated against 31 people. Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram reported the highest number of complaints, while Wayanad saw the fewest. As per the law, individuals or establishments found littering or burning waste can be fined up to Rs 5,000. Discharging waste water into public places or water bodies will attract a fine ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000. Dumping sewage or hazardous waste into water bodies is a criminal offence punishable with fines ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 and imprisonment of six months to one year.
New Indian Express
05-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Shipwreck spill hits ‘Malinya Muktham' campaign in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the world prepares to celebrate World Environment Day on Thursday under the theme #BeatPlasticPollution, Kerala faces a significant environmental crisis. A shipwreck off the state's coast has released tons of plastic nurdles—tiny pellets used in manufacturing—polluting the shorelines of Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. These nurdles pose a serious threat to marine life, public health, and the state's ambitious 'Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam' campaign, which aims to achieve a garbage-free Kerala by March 2026. Highlighting the severity of the situation, social activist Magline Peter said that the entire shoreline of the capital is now covered in nurdles. She expressed concern that the local communities remain unaware of the hazardous situation, lacking information about necessary precautions and the actions being taken to address the crisis. 'There is no transparent communication to resolve this issue. A week has passed, but little action has been taken to clean the nurdles up,' she said. Since its launch, the Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam campaign has focused on reducing plastic use, implementing door-to-door collection of non-biodegradable waste, and ensuring proper waste management. The nurdle spill represents a significant setback to these efforts. LSG Minister M B Rajesh said that the government has begun efforts to remove the nurdles. 'While the Local Self-Government Department is not directly involved, the Environment Department is coordinating cleanup activities,' Rajesh said.
