The sprawling and picturesque coastline of Kerala will soon become a “plastic and garbage-free” zone with the state government drawing up a comprehensive action plan to make the coastal areas clean and beautiful. Fisheries Minister J Mercykutty Amma said steps would be taken to remove plastic and other garbage piled across the 590 km-long state coastline by the end of this month.

The project would be implemented by the Department of Fisheries with the support of various agencies, including urban local bodies. As part of the programme, plastic and solid waste would be collected separately from coastal and inland areas and handed over to the Clean Kerala Company, under the state Local Self Government Department (LSGD).

Mercykutty Amma said that steps would also be taken to treat sewage before discharge into the sea and other water courses in urban areas. She also said the government unveiled a long-term programme to ensure house and toilet facilities for all in the coastal areas.