Garbage and trash isn’t new to Kochiites. We have seen them being dumped outside our home premises, on the roads and everywhere except where they belong to, that is, garbage bins. So much has been said and done on this, but Kochiites haven’t got a respite from garbage. No matter how much they are in the news, dumping waste in public places is a major crisis.

From Kochi Corporation to private organizations, many people have strived to bring about a change. But this has often gone unheard and unseen. Laws and rules have been implemented. But we all know that they don’t last long. So where does the real solution lie? In our hands, or with the concerned authorities? Without say we know that the roles we ought to play are crucial. But how many of us really strive for a cleaner Kochi?

Aby Mathew, who works with a private firm in Kochi says that the solution lies in the hands of Kochiites. “Many laws have been passed. But even now, people dump garbage on the main roads, without the slightest thought about fellow beings! It’s just a matter of concern. Throw your household garbage to the main bins rather than public places. You can see the difference in the cleanliness of our city”, said Aby. “Why is garbage disposal an issue to Kochiites alone? The problem isn’t this worse in other parts of the state”, says Shalom Thomas, a resident of Kochi. “Let us be more considerate and make sure that the garbage goes to the bins and not on our roads. Also, we must stop throwing bottles and wrappers on footpaths”, added Shalom.

Well, we all know that all these will make a difference and facilitate to a cleaner better Kochi. So what are we waiting for? We need to start working for clean Kochi!

So if you are one of those Kochi residents who had a convenient time dumping waste and plastic on the roads, mind it, you will be fined and sent to prison. The Kerala High court has passed a law according to which people who throw decay and waste on public roads will be charged. Well, for a Kochiite who has always been acquainted with waste being dumped near our home premises, this law would come as a blessing. Yes, now you can legally take action against people who litter our surroundings.

Even though it took our law-makers quite some time to bring in such a rule, it’s always better late than never. According to the officials, waste disposal measures will be carried out soon and residents need to abide by those methods in order to dump the garbage. The plastic bags which we often see on our roadsides contain the worst of diseases, and it is high time a strict action is taken against people who throw them.

From hospital waste to waste from homes, Kochi city roads have been heaven for garbage disposal. This problem has affected us over the years. Many complaints have been lodged; media has done their bit to enlighten the people, but all in vein. Now if this law is implemented and carried out well, it definitely will benefit us, and generations to come too.

“If there’s somethin’ strange in your neighborhood
Who ya gonna call.? Dirt Busters!!
If it’s somethin’ weird an it won’t look good
Who ya gonna call? Dirt Busters.!!”

Cochin city can now sing this song, because the city now has its own
24 hour garbage buster team. Next time you see a chips packet with
some left over food or waste with a dead animal thrown in, that
qualifies you for calling the toll free hot line number.

The number to call is 1800-425-1106.

They are equipped with a control room with a vehicle functioning round
the clock. But they might not appreciate you waking them up to report
cigarette butts.!

A very nice move by the Mayor of Kochi.! But a garbage customer
service help line is not going to do the job till people learn the
basics of cleanliness.