The Chief Minister of Kerala Shri Pinaryi Vijayan said that public participation is necessary to make the state garbage-free . The Chief Minister was speaking at the state level launch of the public campaign for a garbage-free New Kerala organized by the state government at Kottarakkara in Kollam district. From October 2, Gandhi Jayanti Day, to March 30, 2025, extensive sanitation and waste management programs are being organized with massive public participation with the aim of a completely garbage-free Kerala. Government departments, Haritha Keralam Mission, Sanitation Mission, Kerala Solid Waste Management Project, Kadumbashree, Clean Kerala Company and various
government agencies and institutions will coordinate the activities. Local self-government bodies will provide leadership by ensuring people's participation. The Chief Minister inaugurated the Kottarakkara Development programme and announced the revival of Pulaman stream.
The Chief Minister said that the cooperation of all sectors of the society is needed to make the state completely garbage free by adopting new habits and methods in waste disposal. Awareness about the impact of polluting public places needs to be increased among the public. The increasing urban population density in the state is also posing a big challenge in waste disposal. Accumulation of garbage can lead to air and water pollution in the respective area. This leads to lack of hygienic food, pure air and clear water. In this situation, dumping of waste in public places is a challenge for healthy living. Waste disposal in water bodies can cause major environmental problems. There should be measures to segregate organic and inorganic wastes at source. Keeping this fact in mind, extensive cleaning programs are being implemented with the participation of the public, various organizations and local self government bodies. The campaign will start on Gandhi Jayanti and continue on March 30 next year (2025) on International Zero Waste Day. The Chief Minister said that the support of the political party, labour and welfare organizations, farmer organizations, student organizations and all sections of the society should be there in this matter. Finance Minister KN Balagopal presided over the function. The finance minister said that along with the campaign, many projects such as increasing agricultural income through innovative farming methods, development of eco-friendly tourism, etc. will be implemented. Local Self-Government Minister M. B. Rajesh inaugurated the supply of security kits to the Haritha karmasena members. Kerala will create a new history by becoming a completely garbage free state. He opined that this achievement will also be achieved by trusting the people's power which has achieved total literacy, people's planning etc. The green tourism handbook was released by Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar The minister said that Before March 30 all KSRTC bus stations will also be made garbage free. Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister J. Chinchurani released the Coffee Table Book prepared by KSWMP. The minister said that it would be a great achievement if all the waste, including medical waste, could be removed and disposed of scientifically. Kodikunnil Suresh M.P. delivered the keynote address. Kovoor Kunjumon MLA, District Panchayat President Dr. PK Gopan, people representatives, officials, etc. were present. Navakeralam Karma Padhathi State Coordinator Dr. T.N. Seema presented the report, Kottarakkara Municipality Chairman S.R. Ramesh welcomed the event and Navakeralam Karma Padhathi Kollam district coordinator expressed the thanks note.