Sewage treatment not up to the mark at Ernakulam Medical College : SLMC

Kochi: In a recent inspection by the State Level Monitoring Committee (SLMC) along with the Kerala State Pollution Control Board found that the sewage system of the Ernakulam Government Medical College is non satisfactory and not up to the mark.

The report on solid waste management presented by SLMC before the Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal on January 29 , the sewage Treatment Plant was partially operating. Also, the wastewater was discovered outflowing via small outlet opening in the campus playground resulting in foul smell at the site. The situation was indicative of some damaged soak pit or overflow of a septic tank.

According to A.V. Ramakrishna Pillai, SLMC chairman "healthcare facility was allowed to function as per the consent renewal order, which expired on June 30, 2018. The renewal application for the conditional consent was submitted on December 29, 2021. But it is pending for want of clarity on the installation of the sewage treatment plant (STP) as well as satisfactory treatment facilities".

Also read- PIL To Halt Sewage Treatment Plant Construction: Delhi HC Seeks AIIMS Reply

Later, the board stated that "no permanent distribution lines for satisfactorily discharging treated effluent were seen. Several flexible hoses were seen at the site. These may be temporary arrangements for transferring untreated sewage from primary collection tanks to different components of the STP."

Also read- Kakinada: Government General Hospital To Get Sewage Treatment Plant

The Hindu reported that the board has recommended that the authorities need to ensure proper operation of all the components of the STP immediately. The flexible hoses have to be replaced by permanent fixtures.

"But we are in the process of completing the pending works of the STP. A few minor works have to be completed. Inkel, the agency responsible for executing the project, has submitted a revised estimate for carrying out the pending works," hospital authorities said.

Also read- TN: Hospital To Upload The Details Of Generated Waste Online