In a recent attempt to prevent illegal wase disposal, the popular Fort Kochi in Kerala could transform into a green destination, suggest reports. According to reports, a review meeting was held in the state to evaluate current waste management methods, and discuss means and processes to improve waste management in the region. To facilitate this, additional waste bins will reportedly be installed along the beach and surrounding areas. The Haritha Karma Sena (HKS) will reportedly be responsible for plastic waste collection from shops.
Further, awareness programs will be conducted for shop owners and street vendors, with measures to ensure the sellers comply with the guidelines laid out. To assert this, illegal vendors will be evicted, and health squad inspections will be intensified, state reports. Business that fail to comply with proper waste management will be faced with strong action.
These measures of waste segregation will extend to public facilities, too. According to reports, public toilets in the area will be revamped, and sanitation facilities will be amped to cater to the large number of visitors flocking to the region. According to the official numbers shared by Kerala Tourism, Kochi alone saw 30,96,875 Indian visitors in 2023, the highest in the state.
Notably, in March 2024, Kochi Water Metro also floated a proposal for the country's first hydrogen-powered ferry. Then, the project was projected to be completed in five to 10 years.
(with inputs from multiple reports)