Pollution control board issues show cause notice to Ernakulam MCH for poor solid waste management

Kochi: Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) issued a show cause notice to Govt Medical College Hospital (MCH), Ernakulam, for dumping and poor handling of solid waste on its campus.Notice was issued after PCB officials inspected the campus on Friday following several complaints of poor waste management. They found a large number of plastic bags containing solid waste, including biodegradable paper and plastic waste, dumped in the parking area.The team found earthen pits were made and solid waste was dumped for burial. The report said biogas plant and aerobic composting were not operating. Ultra-filtration unit in the sewage treatment plant was also not working.PCB said that consent to operate 500 beds was granted with specific conditions that included proper management of solid and plastic waste. It asked the management to ensure adequate facilities for proper disposal of solid waste generated in the hospital and premises with immediate effect and submit a report in a week, following which action would be initiated.Following complaints that MCH officials were planning to bury 10 tonnes of solid waste in dug pits on Friday, Kalamassery municipality sent its health officials to prevent the move. When the officials attempted to prevent local body from inspection, municipality sent a complaint to health minister. PCB officials arrived soon after to conduct an inspection following complaint from local body.