Mon Dec 23 15:28:31 UTC 2024: ## Kerala Reclaims Illegally Dumped Medical Waste from Tamil Nadu

**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA –** Following a controversy over the illegal dumping of medical waste from Kerala in Tamil Nadu, the Kerala government is taking swift action. Over the weekend, a team successfully retrieved 18 truckloads of waste from six sites spanning 16 square kilometers in Tirunelveli district. The cleanup, coordinated by Assistant Collector Sakshi Mohan, is nearing completion, with officials claiming 99% of the waste has been removed.

The Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) has formed a committee to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable. Minister M.B. Rajesh stated that the investigation will focus on the accredited agencies responsible for waste collection and potential hospital negligence. He emphasized that stricter monitoring and tracking of waste movement by private agencies will be implemented to prevent future occurrences.

The Clean Kerala company is now tasked with segregating, drying, and processing the recovered waste. Concerns have been raised regarding improper waste segregation from the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), where biohazard labels were found on packages containing general waste, including syringes and gloves.

The incident is viewed by Kerala officials as damaging to the state’s image, particularly considering ongoing efforts to improve waste management practices. Stringent action is promised against those found responsible for the illegal dumping.

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