Kerala Govt New Ordinance

Kochi, September 23: The Kerala Govt has given a new ordinance that throwing the garbage in the water or river will be a punishable offense and people can face Jail.

As per the new ordinance introduced by the Kerala state government, dumping "rubbish, filth or excreta in any watercourse" will attract a jail term of two years and a fine of up to Rs. 3 lakh for violators.

The move comes at a time when the state is facing ecological destruction in the form of pollution of water bodies, encroachment in ecologically fragile spots like Munnar, and erosion of forest land.

The proposed amendments to the water protection law stipulate a jail term of three or more years and hence empowers courts to deny bail.

Those who repeat the act even after a small punishment will get a minimum of one year in jail. The amendments, to be issued as an ordinance, also set a Rs 2,00,000 penalty.

The cabinet decision on the amendments has been sent to the governor for approval.