This story is from February 17, 2020

Zero waste conference: Kerala minister unveils Trivandrum declaration

Zero waste conference: Kerala minister unveils Trivandrum declaration
LSG minister A C Moideen
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister for local self governments A C Moideen unveiled `Trivandrum declaration` formulated by representatives of various cities who took part in the zero waste conference which concluded here on Monday.
The declaration aimed at establishing a collective of cities working towards attaining zero waste status in their areas by implementing a set of measures like reduction of single use materials, green protocol, engaging youth and encouraging agriculture and water conservation activities.
260 representatives from 23 cities took part in the zero waste conference organised by city corporation.
As per the declaration, it was decided that cities would meet every two years and review the activities each city has initiated and the progress it has achieved. The declaration lays focus on extended producer responsibility, reduction in generation of waste and giving focus on recycling.
LSG minister AC Moideen said that for all initiatives to be successful, public have to be prepared for reducing waste and for undertaking source level waste management. "Awareness is the key, how we can line up people for noble causes regarding waste management is the major challenge. Kerala can create models in this sector like we had done in other areas," said A C Moideen.
The minister said that after the closure of Vilappilsala waste treatment plant, city corporation tried out different methods involving people and the success indicates that it can be emulated everywhere. The minister said that finding land is a huge challenge for various projects and there has to be a shift in attitude which says that not in my backyard. "Money is not the issue here, it is good to see people waking up to ecological awareness," he said.
Former mayor and Vattiyoorkavu MLA V K Prasanth said that if source level waste management could produce good results, what was the need for centralised waste treatment plants. "There has been a clamour for centralised plants. Why do we have to carry waste from one place to another if it can be treated at source," he said. V K Prasanth said that corporation has been able to significantly reduce number of dumpsites in the city and that steps have also been taken to collect as many as 40 different kinds of non-biodegradable waste.
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