Kerala’s Varkala municipality has been selected among 20 urban settlements worldwide to be featured as a ‘Zero Waste City’ by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The announcement coincides with the International Day of Zero Waste on March 30. Varkala is one of only two Asian cities to make it to this prestigious global list, highlighting the international recognition of Kerala’s decentralized waste management model.
Boost for Tourism and Global Recognition
Local Self-Government Minister M B Rajesh said the recognition would enhance Varkala’s tourism potential while drawing global attention to Kerala’s approach. “It’s a huge recognition for Kerala’s decentralized waste management initiative. Our practices were also highlighted at the COP30 summit in Brazil. We focus on scientific methods — recycling what can be recycled and incinerating only what cannot,” Rajesh noted. The award reflects the state’s broader commitment to sustainable and comprehensive waste management.
Role of Local Community and Climate Action Initiatives
Varkala is among Kerala’s best-performing municipalities, with active participation from the Haritha Karma Sena, a key component of the waste management model and a significant climate-action initiative. LSGD Special Secretary T V Anupama said, “Varkala consistently ranks among the top municipalities with a comprehensive waste management system.”
Recognition Reflects Sustained Efforts
Officials highlighted Varkala’s star rating in the Swachh Survekshan survey, its sanitary waste disposal system, and the ongoing construction of a faecal sludge treatment plant. According to the UN-Habitat and UNEP joint statement, Varkala’s submission stood out for its strong commitment to zero waste and for advancing inclusive, sustainable, and innovative waste management solutions.
Varkala Model to Inspire Other Cities
The case study of Varkala will be officially published on March 30. Municipal Secretary G Mithran said, “Our sanitary waste treatment facility helped us stand out. The state government is promoting the ‘Varkala model’ for replication across Kerala. We are improving facilities ahead of a UN team’s final assessment before March 30.”The experience of Varkala will be showcased at international events in Nairobi and New York and featured on the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste website. The UN has confirmed that the model will be promoted through high-level global engagements.
