A surprise inspection by the Health Department officials on Saturday led to the closure of four migrant labour camps in Ernakulam district.
It included one in Cheranalloor, where around 500 persons working with the metro rail project were staying. “It was found that the camp was unhygienic and even solid waste was being discharged directly into an adjoining water body,” said a senior Health official.
The officials led by Deputy District Medical Officer Balagangadharan issued closure notices to the camp in Cheranalloor, two in Varapuzha and another in Vengola, Perumbavoor, where migrant labourers were residing.
“Such inspections were carried out by 72 medical teams in different parts of Ernakulam district and we took action based on how much the camps adhered to a check list comprising mandatory health and hygiene standards,” the official said. The inspections were carried out based on a State-level initiative to prevent the spread of contagious diseases prior to the onset of monsoon.
