Canal turned bio-medical-waste ‘dumpsite’: Local Councils demand strict action 

On Wednesday, Municipal Councilors from Ward-1 in Vadodara, Corporation officials, and a police team arrived at the Chhani Canal region. After receiving information about medical waste deposited in large amounts at the site, local councilors sought harsh punishment for the perpetrators and directed officials to remove the rubbish as soon as possible.

As per details, loads of biomedical waste were found, dumped near the TP 13 Chhani canal area. On Wednesday, local councilors Jaha Desai, Pushpa Vaghela, and Harish Patel of Election Ward-1 reached the spot and reviewed the waste. Looking at the health-hazardous situation, they called the AMC Ward officer to the location for a visit and issued instructions to remove it immediately. 

“We felt some 17 trucks dumped the waste here, which is health hazardous for people living nearby and using the nearby flowing Narmada canal water for drinking. The strong smell also makes it uncomfortable for the morning walkers as the waste gets dumped just next to the canal. We called the concerned officials, police and issued instructions to remove the waste and take legal action against the responsible. We also demand to install CCTV cameras in the area to prevent such activities in future,” said Jaha Desai, Councilor Ward-1.

The health department took serious note of the incident and will take action against those responsible. “We are trying to get the details about the waste dumped there by some pharma company or chemist. There is a proper bio-waste facility for hospitals. So, it might be from some companies. Some of the bottles remain sealed, and it seems expired drugs get dumped here, which is a wrong way to discard as it poses a serious health issue due to the nearby canal. We have informed the health department to take strict action against the respondent as per rules.” said Dr. Rajesh Shah, Chairman Health Committee VMSS.

Written by:
Shristi Chatterjee