Kerala collects over Rs 61 lakh fines for waste dumping complaints via WhatsApp

26-Sep-2025

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The Local Self-Government Department of Kerala has collected more than Rs 61 lakh in fines over the past year through a system that allows the public to report waste dumping in public places.

The initiative, launched a year ago with a single WhatsApp number (9446700800) for complaints, has become a key tool in tackling waste violations across the state.

According to official figures, the total fine imposed for waste dumping in the past year amounted to Rs 11.01 crore. Of this, 5.58 per cent was imposed on the basis of complaints received through WhatsApp. 

A sum of Rs 1,29,750 has also been sanctioned as a reward for those who provided proper evidence against individuals or institutions violating waste management rules.