PCB likely to seek further clarification from MCH over lapses in waste disposal

The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) is reportedly not satisfied with the explanation given by Ernakulam Medical College Hospital (MCH) regarding the improper handling of solid waste on its campus and is preparing to issue a direction letter seeking further clarification. The development comes two weeks after the Board served a show-cause notice on the hospital. An inspection was carried out by PCB officials on February 20, following complaints.

In its response, the hospital authorities stated that the waste had been temporarily stored on the campus following a cleaning drive carried out in connection with the inauguration of its Super Speciality Block. In its reply to the PCB, the hospital noted that all the waste had been piled up at a single location after the cleaning drive. It added that after the Board’s inspection, solid waste, including plastic, paper and food waste, was segregated and disposed of in a scientific manner.

It is learnt that the direction letter will be issued by the Board within two days. “In their reply, they have mentioned that a contract has been drawn up with an agency to dispose of the solid waste. However, they have not provided details about the agency or how the waste will be managed. Since there has been no clarification, we will issue a directive seeking these details,” said a PCB official.

The violations observed by the PCB included a large number of plastic bags containing solid waste, including biodegradable waste, paper and plastic, dumped in the parking area. “The team also found that earthen pits had been dug and solid waste dumped for burial. The biogas plant and aerobic composting units were found to be non-functional, and the ultra-filtration unit in the sewage treatment plant was also not working.

Assuring the PCB that waste will continue to be collected and processed scientifically, the hospital stated in its reply that an agency had been appointed through a tendering process to transport the waste. It also noted that the daily waste generated on the campus is being transported regularly. The hospital further stated that the government issued a work order on February 24 to an agency for the repair of four aerobic compost units. In addition, it has decided to purchase a food waste compression unit worth ₹6 lakh. An ultra-filtration unit will also be installed, and tendering procedures for the same have been initiated.