Pallama illegal clinical waste refused
A court has ordered the removal of a pile of clinical waste from a private site in Pallama in Puttalam back to the source.
Suspects have been warned by the Anamaduwa Magistrates’ Court.
Residents who had protested against the illegal practice earlier, told the Sunday Times they fear toxic pollution from clinical waste being burnt at the site in Pallama, in the Nagawila-Halambapella area.
The police and public health inspectors have arrested a lorry driver, assistant, the owner of the property, and seized the lorry.
The police said that they have confirmed that a resident of Wellampitiya had been given the tender to safely dispose of clinical waste, but he had violated its terms.
A resident, Anusha Malkanthi, said they are concerned about their health.
She also added that earlier, waste batteries had been dumped into lakes and quarries.
“Where is justice, the authorities are just keeping quiet. That’s why we are facing all this trouble,’’ she said.
Meanwhile, the Central Environmental Authority’s director in charge of chemicals and hazardous waste management unit, Ajith Weerasundera, said a permit is required to dispose of clinical waste. Dumping in the open is illegal.
He said that the hospitals are aware of the regulations, but they hand over waste disposal to contractors, who then try to find ways to cut costs and breach the regulations.
Mr Weerasundara said the incident will be looked into.
Pictures and story by Hiran
Priyankara Jayasinghe