Kerala given three days to remove its biomedical waste dump from Tamil Nadu
The SPCB is also required to submit a report detailing the actions taken in response to the order.
The SPCB is also required to submit a report detailing the actions taken in response to the order.
The SPCB is also required to submit a report detailing the actions taken in response to the order.
The National Green Tribunal has given the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) a deadline of three days to remove biomedical, food, plastic, and other waste dumped in Kodaganallur and Palavoor villages of Tamil Nadu. The SPCB is also required to submit a report detailing the actions taken in response to the order.
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has already identified the Thiruvananthapuram Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) and the private hotel The Leela Kovalam as the sources of the illegal disposal of mixed solid and biomedical waste in Tamil Nadu. Following this, the TNPCB sent a letter to the Kerala SPCB on December 18, 2024, requesting legal action against the RCC. The tribunal has also directed to issue a notice to The Leela Kovalam as part of the case.
The matter was brought to the tribunal’s attention suo motu after reports in several English and vernacular dailies highlighted the illegal dumping of biomedical waste in Tamil Nadu’s forests. “The pictures published in these newspapers show that there are heaps of biomedical waste inside the forest area, which would pose an absolute danger not only to the animals but even to those who are living inside the forest,” the tribunal said in its order on Thursday.
The Block Development Officer of Pappakudi and the TNPCB have already initiated steps to remove the waste, including syringes, through the Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facility in Tirunelveli. However, the Tamil Nadu Revenue Department has advised against any further action, emphasising that the responsibility lies with Kerala, as the waste was transported from there.
The tribunal also referenced a previous incident where Tamil Nadu incurred costs of Rs. 70,000 to remove similar waste, a sum that has yet to be reimbursed by Kerala.
“Therefore, we direct the State of Kerala and the Kerala SPCB to take strict action to remove the waste dumped within a period of 3 (three) days from the date of this order and file their action taken report,” the tribunal said. The matter is posted on December 23.