ENVIRONMENTAL INJUSTICE AND WASTE MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF CHERANALLOOR, KERALA

The rapid increase in the city’s population is creating large quantities of Municipal Solid Waste and it becomes a serious task for the Urban Local Governments to manage. All types of waste and pollution may impact human rights. For instance, from their manufacturing to use, trade and disposal. Hazardous waste can have adverse impact on human health and ecosystem-infringing the rights of both.(UNEP)On 28 July 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring that everyone on the planet has a right to a healthy environment. Improper waste management causes air pollution, water and soil contamination.Illicit dumping of waste adversely affects human rights of people to have a clean, safe and healthy environment which is a basic human right to be promised by the state to all. The uncontrolled and unscientific disposal of solid waste adversely affects the health and living conditions of the nearby residents.The rapid increase in population and unplanned urbanization has led to significant environmental degradation, resulting in improper waste management posing a substantial threat to human rights. This study examines the intersection of waste management and human rights, focusing on the experiences of the Cheranalloor community, living in the suburbs of Kochi, Kerala. Through a comprehensive survey of 120 participants, this research reveals the severe environmental, health, and socioeconomic consequences of indiscriminate waste disposal. The findings underscore the need for holistic waste management approaches that prioritize community well-being and environmental justice.