The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) has decided to send out a call to the faithful to take responsibility for addressing the issue of waste disposal and appealed to the government to dump its ad hocism in addressing the problem.
A circular had been issued to parishes across Kerala’s Catholic community last week. Parish priests had been asked to either read out the circular during the course of the Mass on August 26 or to explain the contents of the circular to the people.
Formation of Samithis
The circular asked parish communities to form Samithis or committees to address the issue of cleanliness and waste disposal.
These Samithis would work to create awareness about the need for developing sustainable waste disposal facilities and to bring those who dump waste in public places before the law.
The circular reminded the faithful its duty to keep the creation of God beautiful and to develop a new culture of cleanliness.
Throwing waste into rivers and water bodies was a grave offence that led to destruction of sources of clean drinking water. The circular suggested ways to treat and dispose of waste at its origin itself.
The circular said that the problem of improper waste disposal and throwing of waste into public spaces affected the poor people most.
The circular reminded the faithful that the public cannot blame the government or local self-government bodies for the problem.
