North Indian cities can learn from Kerala's cleanliness initiative; action should be taken against those spreading dirt.:

News Topical, Digital Desk : Kerala has implemented a strict cleanliness drive that has made people afraid to litter. The state's Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) encouraged residents to report any littering they see via WhatsApp. Based on these complaints, action has been taken against litterers.

With the support of the public, this initiative proved to be quite effective.

Moreover, those who reported the mess were also rewarded. With public support, this initiative proved quite effective. The state's cities now appear cleaner. Cities in North India can also learn from Kerala's initiative.

Although Indore is the cleanest city in the country, many North Indian cities lag behind in terms of cleanliness despite numerous efforts. It is hoped that the Kerala model could be effective in North India as well.

Information was provided to the public through a toll-free number on WhatsApp.

LSGD's initiative to encourage the public to provide information through a toll-free WhatsApp number has increased public vigilance and monitoring of waste management activities. Those who provided information with proof of waste dumping at various locations were rewarded. A total of ₹129,750 in prizes was awarded.

People sent pictures to the WhatsApp number after seeing dirt somewhere.

For a year, people sent photos of littering to a WhatsApp number. Based on these photos, fines totaling ₹61,47,550 were imposed on those found littering in public places. According to PTI, prosecution proceedings have been initiated in 63 incidents.

The total fines imposed for littering in the past year amounted to ₹11.01 crore. Of these, 5.58 percent were based on complaints received via WhatsApp. LSGD Minister MB Rajesh congratulated those who reported littering incidents.

Out of a total of 12,265 complaints, 7912 complaints were accepted.

Of the 12,265 complaints received through the WhatsApp number, 7,912 complaints with accurate information were accepted. Of these, 7,362 complaints have been processed. Thiruvananthapuram reported the highest number of WhatsApp complaints at 2,100. Ernakulam reported 2,028. Wayanad district received the lowest number of complaints at 155.