Tirunelveli, 12 Nov (H.S.): Police and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board officials have begun an inquiry after several tonnes of suspected medical and plastic waste, believed to have originated in Kerala, were dumped on private land near Sankarankovil and set ablaze on Tuesday night.

The incident at Veppankulam village came to light on Wednesday morning when residents noticed a foul smell and smoke spreading from the site near Ramaneri tank. Villagers said unidentified people had brought the waste during the night, unloaded it on the land and burnt it.

According to residents, medicines and sacks found among the discarded material bore Malayalam lettering, prompting suspicions that the consignment came from hospitals and commercial establishments in Kerala. However, the origin of the waste has not been officially established.

Residents and farm workers said smoke from the burning material caused breathing difficulties and made it uncomfortable to work in the surrounding agricultural fields. They expressed concern over the possible impact of the dumping on farmland and nearby water sources.

Villagers feared that hazardous substances in the waste could damage soil quality and render agricultural land infertile. They sought measures to prevent further dumping in the area.

Mahalingam, the owner of the land where the waste was found, urged police to strengthen checks at the Puliyarai check post on the interstate route. He said closer monitoring was necessary to prevent vehicles from transporting waste from Kerala into Tamil Nadu.

Tenkasi District Environmental Engineer D.M. Krishnababu said a Pollution Control Board team would inspect the location.

Tenkasi Superintendent of Police R. Stalin said he had directed personnel to examine CCTV footage to ascertain whether vehicles carrying the waste had travelled through the Puliyarai check post.

The inquiry is expected to establish the source of the consignment and identify those responsible for transporting, dumping and burning it at Veppankulam.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman