Ernakulam Medical College’s waste problem remains

Even as Ernakulam Medical College prepares for the much-touted inauguration of its super speciality block in a few days, solid waste management continues to be a glaring embarrassment, with lack of a proper solid waste management system and waste getting dumped within the campus.

Amid ongoing complaints from residents about improper waste disposal, the hospital has recently been slapped with a show cause notice by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) for dumping and improper disposal of solid wastes generated in the hospital and premises.

Residents and civic representatives continue to complain about the improper waste disposal which is affecting the community nearby. According to K.B. Baburaj, councillor of ward number 14, medical college, the issue has been ongoing for several years. “A few years ago some of us intervened and prevented the burial of the plastic waste in the campus. Instead of ensuring proper management of waste, it is dumped in the premises and eventually buried. When we notice this we raise an issue. Until yesterday, the dumped waste bags continued to remain in the campus,” said Mr. Baburaj.