Government to Seize Vehicles after 125 Drivers Fined for Illegal Waste Dumping

The Ministry of Environment is preparing to introduce a hardline legislative reform allowing authorities to seize vehicles caught in the act of fly-tipping, following a surge in illegal dumping across the island.

Environment Minister Rajesh Bhagwan confirmed that a new law is currently under study to curb the proliferation of “wild dumpsites” that have scarred both urban and rural landscapes.

The proposed powers would mark a significant escalation in the government’s strategy to deter what the Minister has labelled “environmental criminals.”

Harder Line Following Social Media Outcry

The move follows a wave of public indignation after images circulated on social media showing the streets of Riche-Terre transformed into open-air dumps.

The footage revealed piles of household waste, discarded clothing, and construction debris.

While Riche-Terre has become a focal point for the debate, Minister Bhagwan stressed that it is not an isolated case, describing a “scene of devastation” visible across the entire territory.

“In 2025, 125 vehicles were issued with fines, and we are now looking at much more severe legislation,” the Minister stated.

Midnight Dumping and Enforcement Challenges

Authorities report that the majority of these offences occur under the cover of darkness.

Unscrupulous operators and private individuals target poorly lit or less-frequented areas to abandon waste with perceived impunity.

The Minister acknowledged the strain on resources but praised the current efforts of the authorities:

• Enforcement: The Environmental Police are performing “remarkable work” despite a limited number of officers.
• Scale of Offending: Over 100 vehicles were penalised in 2025 for dumping waste and construction debris.
• Public Health: The government warned that these illegal sites pose serious risks to public health, the environment, and the general quality of life for residents.

A Call for Citizen Vigilance

The Minister emphasised that state intervention alone is insufficient to solve the crisis. He urged the public to take an active role in the national strategy by reporting offenders directly.

“Take your phone, note down the registration plates, and send us the necessary information; we will do the rest,” exhorted Bhagwan, framing the protection of the environment as a shared civic duty.

Any future clean-up operations or enforcement upgrades will likely involve significant costs, though the Minister remains focused on the legislative shift as the primary deterrent to restore the island’s landscape.

Source: Defi Media