The Kerala government has introduced a new surveillance system to curb illegal dumping of waste in public areas, combining camera monitoring with internet-based connectivity to enable real-time tracking of violations.
The initiative is being jointly implemented by the State Centre for Information Technology (C-DIT) and the K-Phone network, as part of a technology-led effort to tackle a persistent civic problem.
Under the project, C-DIT will install surveillance cameras at selected public locations across different districts where waste dumping has been repeatedly reported. These cameras will be placed in identified panchayats, especially at known hotspot areas, to capture live footage of such activities.
The K-Phone network will provide free internet connectivity to transmit live video feeds from these cameras to monitoring centres, allowing local authorities to view incidents as they happen and respond more quickly.
In the first phase, the system has already been rolled out in Vadakkenchery, Panniyannoor, and Pattanakad panchayats, which were chosen due to repeated complaints of illegal dumping in these areas.
The project also follows directives from the State Police Chief, who called for stronger coordination between police and local self-government institutions to address the issue more effectively. Officials have noted that enforcement by local bodies alone has not been enough to control the problem.
Authorities believe the combination of surveillance technology and digital connectivity will act as a deterrent to offenders and help improve civic discipline. The system is expected to be expanded to more regions in the coming phases as part of Kerala’s broader push for cleaner and better-monitored public spaces.
