Following the discovery of dumped medical waste in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu police have heightened security measures at border checkpoints with Kerala. The incident has sparked outrage among environmental activists and residents, who allege that large quantities of medical waste are being illegally transported from Kerala and dumped in Tamil Nadu.
The issue came to light after medical waste, including used syringes, PPE kits, and medical records containing sensitive information, was found dumped in a public area at Palavoor, Kadangallur. Authorities have registered a case under Sections 271 and 272 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Environment Protection Act and are investigating using CCTV footage.
The Tamil Nadu police have intensified patrolling across check posts in Kanyakumari, Coimbatore, Gudalur, and Theni. Tirunelveli district police have warned of strict action against those found responsible for the illegal dumping.
Environmental activists claim this is part of a larger pattern of illegal waste dumping, alleging that biomedical, food, and plastic waste from Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) and a private hospital have been dumped in multiple villages in Kodaganallur and Palavoor.
The dumping has reportedly been ongoing for months, often under the cover of night. Trucks allegedly hauling materials for a nearby paper mill are suspected of involvement. Residents and landowners have reported the issue to authorities repeatedly, but significant action is yet to be taken.
The contamination of local water sources due to the dumping has raised concerns about the health of livestock and residents. The discovery of sensitive medical records at the site highlights serious lapses in disposal practices and data security.
Tamil Nadu BJP state president K Annamalai criticized the state government's response, accusing Chief Minister MK Stalin of neglecting Tamil Nadu's interests. In a statement, Annamalai alleged that the DMK government’s alliance with Kerala’s Communist government has led to Tamil Nadu's border districts becoming dumping grounds for biomedical, plastic, and meat waste from Kerala. He further alleged that border checkposts have become collection points for illegal waste transportation. Annamalai also accused the DMK government of negligence in addressing waste dumping and mineral smuggling from Tamil Nadu to Kerala.
Resident associations in Tirunelveli have echoed these concerns, demanding immediate measures to stop the illegal dumping. The issue has escalated into a political firestorm, with Annamalai warning of statewide protests in January 2025 if the situation is not addressed. He pledged to personally lead the first truck carrying biomedical waste back to Kerala.
Officials from the TNPCB and the Department of Rural Development have visited the site to assess contamination levels. The District Collector has ordered local officials and the TNPCB to investigate and take legal action. Substantial progress has yet to be reported.