BJP State President Annamalai has urged the DMK government to stop Tamil Nadu’s border districts from being turned into dumping grounds for Kerala’s waste.
In his post on X (formerly Twitter), he stated:
“While Chief Minister Stalin continues to compromise Tamil Nadu’s rights, including Cauvery water, to states governed by his alliance partners, he has also permitted Kerala’s communist government to turn Tamil Nadu’s border districts—Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, and Tirunelveli—into dumping grounds.
As the DMK government continues to foster its relationship with the Kerala communist government, our southern districts have become landfills for Kerala’s biomedical, plastic, and meat waste. The checkpoints, which are supposed to prevent the daily inflow of such waste via lorries, have turned into mere revenue collection centers.
On one hand, the DMK government turns a blind eye to the illegal transportation of minerals from districts like Tenkasi and Kanyakumari into Kerala, and on the other, it has freely allowed Tamil Nadu to be used as a dumping ground.
Despite multiple complaints to officials and the Chief Minister’s Special Cell, no action has been taken to stop this. This is happening with the full knowledge of the DMK government.
The DMK must immediately stop Tamil Nadu’s border districts from being turned into Kerala’s dumping ground. If this continues, starting in the first week of January 2025, we will mobilize the public, collect this biomedical and other waste, load it into lorries, and dump it back in Kerala. I will personally travel in the first lorry to ensure this happens.”
Key Issues Highlighted:
- Waste Dumping Allegation
Annamalai alleges that Kerala’s biomedical, plastic, and meat waste is being transported and dumped in Tamil Nadu’s border districts—Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, and Tirunelveli. - Inaction by Checkpoints
He claims that checkpoints meant to prevent such illegal transportation have instead turned into “revenue collection centers.” - Illegal Mineral Transport
Annamalai also points out illegal mineral transportation from Tamil Nadu’s border districts to Kerala, accusing the DMK government of ignoring this issue. - Political Angle
He criticizes the DMK for its political alliance with Kerala’s communist government, suggesting that the alliance is at the cost of Tamil Nadu’s welfare. - Public Action Threat
As a last resort, Annamalai has threatened to collect the waste and dump it back in Kerala himself, starting January 2025.
Environmental and Social Impact:
- Environmental Damage
Dumping biomedical and plastic waste in border districts can severely contaminate soil and groundwater. - Public Health Crisis
Hazardous biomedical waste can pose severe health risks to residents of these districts. - Inter-State Relations
Such allegations and actions could strain Tamil Nadu-Kerala relations, especially if the issue escalates without proper intervention. - Government Responsibility
The DMK government will face pressure to act immediately and implement stringent measures to prevent illegal waste dumping.
Suggested Immediate Actions:
- Strengthen Checkpoints
Ensure all checkpoints at Tamil Nadu’s border districts are fully functional and use technology to monitor and prevent waste transportation. - Conduct Investigations
A special task force should investigate the scale of the issue and take action against those responsible. - Inter-State Dialogue
Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments must form a high-level committee to resolve the waste management issue amicably. - Public Transparency
Authorities should release data on the waste transported and actions taken to reassure the public.
This issue touches upon environmental safety, public health, and state governance, making it imperative for both Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments to find a swift resolution. Annamalai’s political stance has also added urgency to the matter, and any inaction may trigger further political and social repercussions.
