“Operasion Zero Depo” Campaign launched ahead of World Clean-Up Day 2026

The launching of the national campaign “Operasion Zero Depo”, ahead of World Clean Up Day 2026 observed on 20 September, was announced by the the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mr Rajesh Anand Bhagwan, today during press conference in presence of the Minister of Local Government, Mr Ranjiv Woochit, in Port-Louis.

The campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage everyday habits that reduce waste and promote responsible practices against littering and dumping.

The Junior Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mrs Karen Foo Kune-Bacha, and the Junior Minister of Local Government, Mr Mohammad Fawzi Allymun, were also present.

Minister Bhagwan called for greater civic awareness and urged citizens to keep the country clean and protect the environment. He encouraged the use social media for reporting cases of illegal dumping and littering, stressing that protecting the environment and maintaining cleanliness is a shared responsibility. He urged households, schools, businesses, Ministries, media organisations, NGOs and the wider public to participate in clean-up activities during the weekend of 19–20 September.

Speaking of the challenges namely climate change, pollution, mismanagement of waste, deforestation and energy misuse, he indicated that Mauritius generates approximately 550,000 tonnes of waste annually posing greater threats to the environment and the health of the population. He underlined that illegal dumping and littering remains a persistent problem in the country adding that the Police de l’Environnement has recorded around 1,000 complaints of illegal dumping since the beginning of the year, with a comparable number of fines issued for littering and dumping offences.

The Minister stated that signage boards would be installed at identified sites to deter illegal dumping, while pointing out that the penalty for the offence has been increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000.

For his part, Minister Woochit commended the national efforts of the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change in promoting cleanliness and protecting the environment, noting that local authorities are also working in the same direction.

He indicated that around 2,535 employees are involved in scavenging services, while approximately 100 employees of Mauri-Facilities Ltd also provide support.

The Minister also highlighted the management of the Mare Chicose landfill, pointing out that maintaining the site comes at a significant cost. He further explained that a person fined for illegal dumping by the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change may also be subject to penalties from Local Government authorities.

He further underlined that several clean up activities will be held in different regions namely Les Salines, Flacq and Poste La Fayette as part of World Clean Up Day.

16 September 2026

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Topics: Environment