Kerala High Court Calls Railways A "Bulk Waste Generator", Says It Must Take Responsibility To Clear Railway Tracks & Sidings

The Court said that the waste disposed on the tracks flows into water bodies causing substantial environmental damage. Though the waste is properly managed near the stations, enough steps are not taken to remove waste from the side of the tracks. The Court said that one reason of dumping is that the compartments does not have sufficient waste bins.

The Court asked the railways to file an affidavit detailing the steps taken to clear the plastic waste from railway tracks.

The Court was also dealing with the management of gypsum generated by FACT (Fertilizers & Chemicals Travancore Limited). The Court was contemplating whether this could be used for earthwork in road constructions in National Highway. After hearing the concerns of both NHAI and FACT, the Court asked the authorities of both organisations to convene a meeting to discuss how the accumulated gypsum can be used in road construction work.

The Division Bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas and Justice Gopinath P. made these observations while hearing the case suo moto registered by the Court after the fire breakout at Brahmapuram. The Court has been regularly monitoring the waste disposal and management throughout the State.

The matter is posted for further hearing on 26^th July.

Case Title: Suo Moto v State of Kerala and Others

Case No: WP(C) 7844/ 2023