Kochi Corporation begins waste clean-up drive following HC observations

Following recent Kerala High Court observations on waste management, the Kochi Corporation has decided to clear waste from public spaces and install containers at all collection points to prevent exposure.

Last month, the High Court expressed concern over the piling up of waste in public spaces and directed the Corporation to take strict action against those responsible for dumping waste. Waste movement was reportedly affected as Corporation officials were preoccupied with the Swachh Survekshan (Cleanliness Survey) of cities scheduled in the coming months.

“Instructions have been issued to remove waste from roadsides and to install containers at all collection points. Two agencies engaged in the weekly collection of plastic waste have been asked to transport waste directly from households to lorries, instead of storing it at transit points before disposal. They have also been directed to clear the backlog they had accumulated,” said Mayor V.K. Minimol.

She said nearly 75 to 80 tonnes of biodegradable waste is being fed daily into the Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant at Brahmapuram, commissioned earlier this year. Along with 100 tonnes of waste treated using Black Soldier Fly-based units, this has largely addressed the city’s waste treatment needs for the time being, especially with the drop in waste generation from hotels due to the cooking gas shortage. The CBG plant has an installed capacity to treat 150 tonnes of waste.

The Corporation has also initiated focused work towards Swachh Survekshan, which ranks cities across the country on cleanliness. In the 2024–25 rankings released in July 2025, Kochi emerged as the cleanest city in Kerala and was ranked 50th nationally.

“With the survey likely to begin in April–May, we have launched a dedicated campaign titled ‘Queen City, Clean City’, with actor Tini Tom as brand ambassador. We have begun cleaning public spaces and toilets, besides setting up art installations using waste and graffiti carrying cleanliness messages,” Ms. Minimol said.