Tirunelveli: Kerala's government has taken significant steps to address the serious issue of hazardous biomedical waste illegally dumped across Tamil Nadu's Nellai district, with action initiated following inspections by Kerala officials. On Sunday, nearly one day after receiving reports of the extensive waste disposal, officials commenced the process of removing the biomedical waste, responding directly to orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The operation to transport the waste back to Kerala began early Sunday morning, involving more than 20 officials, including the Assistant Collector of Thiruvananthapuram district and the Health Officer. These officials convened at a government school situated in Nadukallur before splitting up to efficiently load the waste onto trucks. A JCB machine was employed to facilitate the loading process, as monitoring by Tamil Nadu Police ensured the safe passage of the hazardous materials back to their origin.
The matter came to light due to the substantial quantities of biomedical waste dumped at several sites, including Nadukallur, Kodakakanallur, and Melathidiyur, all originating from Kerala. This situation has raised concerns and drawn outrage across Tamil Nadu. The NGT had underscored the urgency of the situation by ordering the Kerala government to remove the hazardous waste within three days.
Describing the magnitude of the situation, local authorities noted the discovery of not just medical waste, but also pharmaceutical documents linking it to the Thiruvananthapuram Cancer Centre and other healthcare facilities. The involvement of the NGT was precipitated after careful inspection and reporting by media outlets, with public pressure culminating in significant regulatory actions.
Kerala’s swift response highlights the collaborative efforts between states as officials from both Kerala and Tamil Nadu worked closely together. A team led by Pinsi Ahmed, chief engineer of the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, along with health officials, conducted thorough inspections at multiple sites and engaged with their Tamil Nadu counterparts, including district officials at various levels of governance.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, arrests have been made, with two individuals captured on December 19, linked to the illegal dumping. The authorities have since expanded their investigations, leading to additional arrests and several cases filed against transporters involved. Recent reports indicate the capture of two more suspects—Chelladurai from Salem district and Jithan George associated with a waste management company—in connection with this alarming case.
Despite the delays experienced prior to intervention, where more than 37 days passed without substantial action, the cooperation from both states has allowed for progress. The NGT's decision to act on its own accord reflects the growing concerns over environmental health and safety standards, particularly concerning the management of waste. Various sites were discovered, including specific locations such as Kondanagaram, Sivaniyapuram, and Thidiyoor village, exacerbated by initial reports from the New Indian Express.
Local residents and environmental advocates have reacted positively to the measures taken by Kerala. The state’s actions to transport the waste back have been characterized as historical, with officials from both regions highlighting its unprecedented nature; waste moved to Tamil Nadu is now being returned to its source for proper handling. This concerted effort also includes potential future plans for sustainable waste management to prevent occurrences of illegal dumping.
The operation to return the waste is significant beyond immediate logistics; it serves as both a response to existing issues and as precedents for future waste management practices. Officials from both states are now prioritizing measures to avoid such environmental impacts resulting from negligent waste disposal methods.
Kerala's proactive actions may signal the beginning of stricter regulations surrounding waste management across state lines, emphasizing the importance of accountability among organizations and facilities responsible for the handling of biomedical waste. With the situation developing, more community engagement and measures for environmental protection are anticipated.
State officials are hopeful this joint endeavor will set examples for other regions grappling with similar environmental crises and strengthen inter-state cooperation on waste management. The message being conveyed is clear: there will be no tolerance for illegal dumping, and regulatory bodies are empowered to enforce these standards rigorously.
The next steps as detailed by the officials will involve consistent monitoring and evaluation of waste management systems, ensuring accountability among waste transport companies and facilities engaged in biomedical waste disposal. Comprehensive strategies may follow as both states aim to improve their policies and practices surrounding waste management.
