Waste dumped in Kochi backwaters: Singer M.G. Sreekumar fined Rs 25,000

Singer M.G. Sreekumar has been issued a fine notice of ₹25,000 after a video surfaced showing a bag of waste being dumped into the Kochi backwaters from a house in Mulavukad Panchayat.

Video recorded by a tourist
According to Manorama Online, the footage, recorded by a tourist on a mobile phone, was verified by panchayat authorities, who confirmed the date, time, and location before issuing the fine notice. Sreekumar paid the fine earlier this week.
A fine imposed
Following the complaint, the control room of the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) instructed the panchayat officials to inspect the location. Upon confirmation, a fine was imposed under the relevant sections of the Panchayat Raj Act. Minister M.B. Rajesh later informed the complainant about the action taken through social media.
While the video clearly shows waste being dumped from the singer’s residence, the person responsible for the act could not be identified. The footage was shared on social media four days ago, tagging Minister M.B. Rajesh. In response, the minister reiterated that complaints related to illegal waste dumping in public spaces could be reported via the government’s WhatsApp number (94467 00800) with supporting evidence, ensuring action would be taken.
Whistleblowers to receive incentives for reporting violations
Additionally, the minister stated that individuals who report such violations with proper evidence would be rewarded once the fine is paid as part of the government’s initiative to curb illegal waste disposal.

Meanwhile, the popular singer, MG Sreekumar, who crooned several iconic songs in Malayalam, has not yet responded to the issue. On the work front, MG Sreekumar’s previous outing was in the Saiju Kurup starrer ‘Pappachan Olivilaanu’. Meanwhile, MG Sreekumar has crooned the song ‘Kanmanipoove’ in the upcoming Mohanlal and Tharun Moorthy film ‘Thudarum’.