Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government’s WhatsApp helpline for reporting illegal waste dumping has turned into a major success. According to official data, the Local Self Government Department (LSGD) imposed fines of ₹61.47 lakh in 755 cases reported through the platform.

Citizens who report waste dumping in public places can earn up to ₹2,500, which is 25 per cent of the fine collected from violators. In total, rewards worth ₹1,29,750 were distributed to informants who reported the violation with evidence.

“In one year, fines amounting to ₹61,47,550 were collected in 755 cases reported by the public through WhatsApp,” an official statement issued on Saturday said. Prosecution proceedings have also been initiated in 63 cases.

The statement noted that overall, the department collected ₹11.01 crore as fines in 2024. Of this, 5.58 per cent came from WhatsApp-based complaints.

PTI reported that LSGD Minister MB Rajesh congratulated those who reported incidents, noting that the initiative has boosted public vigilance and monitoring of waste management practices.

TVM tops the list
A total of 12,265 complaints were received through the helpline. Of these, 7,912 contained accurate details, and action was taken in 7,362 cases. Thiruvananthapuram district topped the list with 2,100 illegal dumping cases. Meanwhile, Ernakulam followed with 2,028 cases and Wayanad reported the fewest, with just 155 cases.