Most people in Kerala dispose of garbage within their premises or dump it in the neighbourhood or public places, causing serious environmental hazards, a State-wide environmental survey carried out by the Kerala State Literacy Mission has found.

Urban families are more prone to dumping garbage than those in rural areas. The survey, however, observed that the number of families investing in biogas plants was on the increase. Most respondents felt the need to promote decentralised solid waste treatment facilities like pipe compost and open compost.

The results of the survey, which were released here on Monday, point to the serious environmental issues caused by indiscriminate use of pesticides by farmers. Noting that excessive use of fertilizers had affected soil fertility and contaminated water sources, it called for a return to traditional crops.

Chief Minister PinarayiVijayan released the report by handing over a copy to T.N.Seema, vice chair of the Haritha Kerala Mission.

The survey proposed intensified efforts to promote greenhouse cultivation, biodiversity conservation, afforestation, organic farming, medicinal plant cultivation, biogas plants, composting and plastic recycling for sustainable development.

The document revealed that most households were cold to the idea of organic cultivation of vegetables despite apprehensions over pesticide contamination. This was largely attributed to the high cost of organic cultivation and the absence of a cluster approach to farming. It stressed the need to promote high yielding, water efficient methods of farming.

Only 5.52% of the respondents gave plastic for recycling while the rest simply dumped it in public places or within their premises.

The survey has recommended an intensive afforestation drive to combat climate change and global warming. Pointing to the water scarcity caused by drought in large parts of the State, it calls for steps to harvest rainwater and ensure groundwater recharge and legislation to curb overexploitation of groundwater by industries.

The report sounds a warning against the environmental impact of river sand mining, granite quarrying, reclamation of paddy fields, encroachment of coastal areas, destruction of sacred groves and deforestation and proposes participatory efforts to restore the environment.