KOCHI: The High Court order banning dumping of waste wrapped in plastic carry bags or any other non-biodegradable materials at public places may have been welcomed by the public. But the practical side of the ban will put more pressure on the police as additional duties will be put on them.The police are already suffering from severe staff shortage and this is delaying regular policing and crime investigation. Now , the police have to monitor the waste dumpers also. The High Court directed the police to take strict action against the offenders and prosecute them.The violators can get a maximum punishment of six months’ imprisonment under Section 269 and a fine according to the gravity of the offence. If a case is registered under Section 278, the accused may have to pay a fine of Rs 500.The court also ordered the DGP to issue instructions to all police stations to conduct patrolling in urban areas and take action against those who dump or dispose of waste in plastic bags at public places and on roadside.A top police official said on condition of anonymity that the new order will put more pressure on the police as the department is already suffering from staff shortage.“The Police Department is facing severe staff shortage. The regular policing and crime investigation will be effected owing to the new development.""If the police are ordered to catch waste dumpers, it will require additional patrolling. Already the police personnel are working over time. Any additional job will put further pressure on us,” the police officer said.“It is true that the police will have to do additional duty following the High Court directive,” City Police Deputy Commissioner T Gopalakrishna Pillai said. However, it is not a major problem. The police have always been maintaining law and order in the state. The new job is part of policing. For this, special squads will be formed and we will catch those who do not abide by the law,” Gopalakrishna Pillai said.
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