PCB Urges MCH to Address Alarming Lapses in Waste Disposal: A Call for Accountability and Action!
The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) is reportedly dissatisfied with the response from Ernakulam Medical College Hospital (MCH) regarding its handling of solid waste. In light of ongoing concerns, the PCB is preparing to issue a directive seeking additional clarification from the hospital. This development follows a show-cause notice served to MCH two weeks ago after a PCB inspection on February 20, prompted by public complaints.
Hospital authorities explained that the accumulation of waste was due to a temporary storage situation following a cleaning campaign associated with the inauguration of the Super Speciality Block. They clarified that waste was gathered at a single location during this period. In response to the PCB’s inspection, MCH indicated that solid waste-comprising plastics, paper, and food refuse-had since been segregated and disposed of properly.
PCB officials revealed that they plan to issue a directive within two days, emphasizing that while MCH mentioned contracting an agency for waste disposal, they have yet to provide crucial details about this agency and their management processes. “In their reply, they mentioned that a contract has been drawn up 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,” stated a PCB official.
The PCB’s inspection uncovered several violations, including numerous plastic bags filled with mixed solid waste discarded in the hospital’s parking area. The inspection team also noted that earthen pits had been excavated for the burial of solid waste. Alarmingly, biogas and aerobic composting units were found non-operational, as was the ultra-filtration unit in the sewage treatment facility.
In a bid to address these issues, the hospital assured the PCB that it would continue to collect and manage waste responsibly. MCH noted that an agency had been selected through a tendering process for the transport of waste and confirmed that daily refuse generated on campus was being regularly removed. Furthermore, a government work order issued on February 24 has initiated repairs for four of the hospital’s aerobic compost units, demonstrating a commitment to rectifying the situation.
Highlighting future plans, the hospital announced a decision to invest ₹6 lakh in a food waste compression unit and confirmed that the tendering process for the installation of a new ultra-filtration unit is underway. With these steps, MCH aims to enhance its waste management capabilities and address the concerns raised by the PCB.
This ongoing issue underscores the critical importance of sustainable waste management practices in healthcare facilities, particularly given the scrutiny of environmental policies in Kerala. The PCB’s forthcoming directive will play a vital role in ensuring compliance and fostering responsible waste management in the healthcare sector.
As the conversation around solid waste handling intensifies, the actions taken by MCH will be closely monitored, not only for compliance but also for their broader impact on public health and environmental sustainability in the region.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/pcb-to-issue-directive-to-ernakulam-medical-college-over-lapses-in-waste-disposal/article70718863.ece
Category : Kerala
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Publish Date: 2026-03-08 21:48:00
