The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed panchayats and the district administration to crack down on pollution of rivers and careless disposal of garbage.
Prosecute them
In an order issued on Wednesday on the basis of a petition filed by Muhammed Nazar, commission chairman J.B. Koshy called on panchayats to prosecute those found dumping waste in rivers and on the banks.
District Collectors were ordered to invoke their magisterial powers to take action against the offenders. The order also directs the police to launch action.
Mr. Koshy reminded panchayats that they would be liable to pay compensation if garbage accumulation leads to epidemics.
