Lack of proper measures to treat biomedical waste (BMW) is affecting the health of the people and the environment. This was felt by the scientists and environment experts present at a two-day ‘Regional Workshop on Biomedical Waste’, in the city. The workshop was organised by the CEE (Centre for Environment Education) New Delhi, UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) and USAID (United States Agency for International Development).

They opined it continues to be neglected by most civic bodies in the country. According to Urban Infrastructure Representative of the USAID in India, PU Asnani, only one third of the civic bodies in the country tackle biomedical waste properly. “The medical fraternity and civic officials in the country have shown laxity in the implementation of amended biomedical waste (management and handling) rules 2000,” he said.

The participants in the workshop presented status reports, analysis and planning reports on garbage segregation, BMW and environment. “The final draft of the report along with facts and findings will be submitted to the ministry of environment and forests for implementation, said he.

Shyamala Mani coordinator, CEE said there were minor differences among environmentalists, doctors, civic authorities and experts on the segregation and management of BMW. However she added that the differences, in recent years have been sorted out.

According to the National Solid Association of India, the country generates approximately 4.4 million tonnes of hazardous waste per annum. Ramnath Jha, UNDP urban management programme’s regional advisor for South Asia, said the BMW rules seek segregation, packaging transportation storage treatment and disposal of wastes generated by hospitals, clinics and labs.

He lamented that only a few follow the correct method of BMW disposal. “The mode of disposal of hazardous waste has a significant impact on the health of the people and the environment,” said Jha.