National Anti-Dumping Campaign, ‘Zero Depo’, launched to promote cleaner Mauritius

The National Anti-Dumping Campaign titled ‘Zero Depo’, which aimed at sensitising the population on the adverse effects of illegal dumping and improper waste disposal, was launched, today, in the presence of the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mr Rajesh Anand Bhagwan, during a ceremony held at the Mauri-Facilities Management Co Ltd sub-office in Bagatelle.

The Junior Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mrs Karen Foo Kune-Bacha, and the Deputy High Commissioner of the Republic of India, Mrs Aparna Ganesan, were present. On the occasion, vehicles and equipment provided by the Government of India were handed over to the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change to support its operations under the National Anti-Dumping Campaign.

In his address, Minister Bhagwan called for a change in mindset and greater individual responsibility to combat illegal dumping, stressing that responsible behaviour started at home. He highlighted that illegally dumped waste and blocked drains could contribute to flooding and posed risks to homes, children and senior citizens.

He expressed appreciation to the Government of India for its continued support to Mauritius through Community Development Projects under the Indian Grant Assistance Scheme. These include the procurement of solar lamps and recycled plastic benches for installation in public spaces across the island, thereby contributing to cleaner, better lit and more welcoming public areas. The Ministry has also procured one waste lorry and one backhoe loader, which will be operated by Mauri Facilities to support the campaign.

Minister Bhagwan further underlined the efforts of the Police de l’Environnement, Mauri Facilities and the Living Environment Unit in addressing illegal dumping and improving the living environment. He recalled that the fine for illegal dumping had been increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000, while 100 illegal dumping sites had already been identified across the island. As such, he indicated that Mauri-Facilities would intervene at identified sites to clear waste and restore public spaces, while warning signs would be installed to inform the public of the penalties applicable for illegal dumping.

For her part, Mrs Ganesan highlighted the special and longstanding relationship between India and Mauritius, underpinned by sustained development cooperation. She recalled that India had extended a USD 680 million economic package to Mauritius as part of its continued development cooperation. She also pointed out that 93 Community Development Projects had been implemented across Mauritius, covering areas such as education, healthcare, sports, infrastructure, public amenities and renewable energy.

The Deputy Indian High Commissioner was confident that the vehicles and equipment handed over would contribute to the Ministry’s effort to promote cleaner and healthier neighbourhoods. She further emphasised that cleanliness was a shared social responsibility, requiring the active participation of citizens, communities and institutions.

10 September 2026

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Topics: Environment