Kochi, Dec 23 (NationPress) On Monday, the Kerala High Court lambasted the Kerala government in response to alarming reports that bio-medical waste from the state was being discarded in Tamil Nadu.
The court demanded a comprehensive report to be submitted by January 10, the date when the case is set for further hearing.
The court remarked: "It is a concerning situation that waste generated in Kerala is being improperly disposed of in the neighboring state, in a chaotic manner and against legal protocols."
This statement arose during a special hearing prompted by media coverage indicating that biomedical, plastic, food, and mixed solid waste from Kerala was being unlawfully dumped at six sites in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.
Tirunelveli, located approximately 140 km from the state capital, has become the focal point of this issue.
The situation gained attention after the southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) took suo motu notice of the matter, following reports that emerged on December 17 and 18.
During the proceedings on Monday, it was reported that six criminal cases have been filed concerning this issue and three individuals from Kerala have been arrested.
While condemning the Kerala government for the illegal dumping in Tamil Nadu, the court also directed the Cochin Corporation (Kochi Municipal Corporation) to submit an affidavit detailing the measures taken to address polluted drains in Kochi and to prevent the accumulation of plastic and other debris in these drains, which could obstruct rivers and backwaters.
The court further instructed the amicus curiae to file a succinct report on the matter, particularly identifying which drains in the state are the most contaminated.
"We urge the amicus curiae to provide a brief report on areas that require the Court's attention regarding the buildup of waste, plastic, and other debris in the drains," stated the court.
