Kerala Steps Up Monitoring Against Illegal Medical Waste Dumping Informs NGT
The illegal dumping of medical waste in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, the Kerala government has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) about the stringent monitoring measures it has initiated. This issue, which came to light in late December 2024, involves the disposal of waste generated by hospitals and other healthcare establishments from Kerala, which had been improperly dumped in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district.
The illegal dumping of medical waste, including hazardous materials from hospitals, has been a serious concern for both Kerala and Tamil Nadu authorities. Not only does it pose a significant environmental threat, but it also carries serious health risks for communities living near these sites. Medical waste, when not disposed of properly, can spread infectious diseases, contaminate local water sources, and cause long-term damage to the ecosystem. It has been a growing concern in both states, especially in the wake of rising waste generated by healthcare facilities amid the ongoing health crises. On 24 December 2024, the Secretary of the Department of Environment submitted an action taken report to the NGT, stating that all illegally dumped medical waste had been swiftly evacuated from the sites in Tirunelveli. The report highlighted that the Kerala government is taking the matter extremely seriously, ensuring that strict vigilance is in place to prevent such incidents in the future. This includes monitoring hospitals and other medical establishments to ensure that their waste is disposed of in compliance with environmental and health regulations.
The Kerala government’s proactive stance includes tighter control over waste disposal practices and collaborations with Tamil Nadu authorities to ensure that the waste generated in Kerala is handled safely and legally. This move is aimed at ensuring that such waste is treated at authorised facilities rather than being irresponsibly discarded in neighbouring regions. The issue has caused alarm within local communities, particularly in areas affected by the illegal dumping. Residents living near the disposal sites have raised concerns about the potential health hazards posed by the improper disposal of medical waste. Contaminated water, unregulated landfills, and the spread of infections are just some of the risks that have been identified. The impact of such negligence on public health is undeniable and has been costing communities not only in terms of healthcare expenses but also in terms of long-term environmental degradation.
The cost of neglecting proper waste management is immense. Medical waste, if left unchecked, can lead to outbreaks of diseases, pollute water sources, and disrupt local biodiversity. Moreover, the financial burden of addressing health problems caused by improper disposal adds another layer of difficulty to already strained healthcare systems in these regions. Local government officials have underscored that the environmental and health risks posed by illegal dumping are not only a civic issue but also a financial one, affecting the broader public health infrastructure. In response to the situation, Kerala’s environment officials have vowed to take stronger measures to ensure that this kind of illegal dumping does not recur. As part of their ongoing efforts, they have committed to enhancing waste disposal infrastructure, improving monitoring systems, and collaborating with neighbouring states for better waste management practices. They have also promised to strictly enforce penalties against establishments found to be non-compliant with waste disposal regulations. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the Kerala government’s commitment to tackling the issue is critical to ensuring that both public health and the environment are protected. By addressing the root cause of illegal medical waste dumping, Kerala is not only safeguarding its own citizens but also setting a precedent for responsible waste management practices across the region.
