The Kerala High Court on Monday criticized the Kerala government for its poor handling of solid waste management in the state, highlighting concerns raised by recent reports of illegal dumping of biomedical waste from Kerala into Tamil Nadu.
Describing the situation as alarming, a Special Bench comprising Justices Bechu Kurian Thomas and P. Gopinath directed the state to submit a report on the matter by January 10, 2025, the next scheduled hearing of the case.
"It is an alarming situation that waste generated in Kerala is being disposed in the neighbouring State, that too in a haphazard manner and contrary to the legal requirements," the Court said.
The Bench further sought comprehensive reports on this issue and related concerns.
The Cochin Corporation has been directed to file an affidavit detailing the steps taken to clear polluted drains in Kochi and prevent the dumping of plastic and other waste, which contributes to the clogging of rivers and backwaters.
The local self-government authority has been ordered to submit an affidavit addressing bulk waste generators, including hospitals, and providing details of those responsible for the collection and disposal of various types of waste, particularly biomedical waste. The affidavit must also include information on how waste disposal processes are monitored.
Additionally, the Court directed the amicus curiae to prepare a concise report identifying the State's most polluted drains.
"We request the amicus curiae to submit a brief report on the areas where the attention of the Court must be drawn regarding accumulation of filth, plastic and other waste in the drains," it said.
The Court issued these directives as part of suo motu proceedings initiated last year following a fire at the Brahmapuram garbage dumping yard in Kochi, which blanketed the city in toxic smog and highlighted Kerala’s critical waste management challenges.
Today’s special hearing was prompted by reports of biomedical, plastic, food, and mixed solid waste from Kerala being illegally dumped at six locations in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district.
The southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had already taken suo motu cognizance of the issue last week, acting on a December 17, 2024, report by The New Indian Express. On December 19, the NGT ordered Kerala authorities to retrieve the waste by December 23 (today). A team led by Assistant Collector Albert has since been working to remove the waste from the sites in Tamil Nadu and transport it back to Kerala. The NGT is scheduled to hear the matter again today.
The Kerala High Court was informed that six criminal cases have been registered in connection with the illegal dumping, leading to the arrest of three Malayalis.
Additionally, the Court addressed concerns over a recent food poisoning incident at the Ernakulam Ponnuruni East Anganwadi, where 12 children suffered from vomiting and stomach issues after consuming upma. Preliminary investigations suggested contamination in the water used for cooking, possibly sourced from a tank near a polluted canal.
The Kochi Corporation was directed to file an affidavit regarding the incident, while the amicus curiae was instructed to visit the site and submit a detailed report.
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