Consolidated Status Report in the matter of O.A. NO. 72 of 2020 In re: Scientific Disposal of Bio-Medical Waste arising out of Covid-19 treatment - Compliance of BMWM Rules, 2016 before Hon’ble National Green Tribunal, Principle Bench, New Delhi.
As of early May 2020, there are more than 3.5 million infected cases and 247 thousand dead of COVID-19 in the world. The world has spared no effort to contain COVID 19 since its initial emergence from the epicenter since last December in 2019.
These guidelines are based on current knowledge on COVID-19 and existing practices in management of infectious waste generated in hospitals while treating viral and other contagious diseases like HIV, H1N1, etc. These guidelines will be updated if need arises.
Healthcare waste management is a serious issue in context of developing countries. Better assessment of both risks and effects of exposure would permit improvements in the management of healthcare waste. However, there is not yet clear understanding of risks, and as consequences, inadequate management practices are often implemented.
In order to deal with COVID-19 pandemic, State and Central Governments have initiated various steps, which include setting up of quarantine centers/camps, Isolation wards, sample collection centers and laboratories.
*Compliance report filed by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), pursuant to the National Green Tribunal order of October 31, 2019 in Original Application No. 915/2019 in the matter of Ravi Sharma Vs State of Uttar Pradesh. The matter relates to disposal of bio-medical waste by M/s Medical Pollution Control Committee (CBMWTF), Growth Center, Industrial Area, Bijoli, Jhansi.
Report of the oversight committee with regard to management of solid waste, bio-medical waste and STP in district Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh made public on Februry 27, 2020.
The committee report made some recommendations which include:
Proceedings of the meeting conducted by the State Level Monitoring Committee of the National Green Tribunal for Solid Waste Management in Tamil Nadu held on February 1, 2020 on the matter of Udhagai and Gudalur dump site.
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Amrish Gupta, President, Dushit Paryavaran Hatao Samiti Vs State of Uttar Pradesh dated 14/02/2020 regarding allegation of illegal activities in disposal of infected bio-medical waste, discharge of untreated hazardous effluents and causing air pollution by M/s Synergy Waste Management Pvt. Ltd., Barabanki, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Report filed by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) in compliance of the National Green Tribunal order of November 20, 2019 in the matter of Amrita Puri Residential Colony Resident's Welfare Association Vs SMS Water Grace (P) Ltd. & Others dated January 31, 2020. Grievance in the application was causing of air pollution by burning of bio-medical waste by SMS Water Grace Pvt. Ltd. The bio-medical treatment plant was operating at Nilothi near Ranhoula village, Delhi.
