Patna High Court Takes Stern Action on Bihar's Biomedical Waste Disposal Crisis
The Patna High Court has expressed grave concern over the alarming disparity between the generation and scientific disposal of biomedical waste in government medical colleges and hospitals across Bihar. In a decisive move, the court has mandated the state's Pollution Control Board and Health Department to provide a comprehensive action taken report (ATR) to expedite the allocation of tenders for establishing environmentally friendly treatment plants.
Court Orders Swift Installation of Treatment Facilities
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo and Justice Harish Kumar issued this directive while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Vikas Chandra, also known as Guddu Baba. The judges emphasized the urgent need for installing these critical treatment plants in six key districts: Purnia, Sasaram, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, and Gopalganj. This step aims to bridge the widening gap in biomedical waste management, which poses significant risks to public health and the environment.
Compliance with Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules Under Scrutiny
In addition to seeking the ATR for tender allotments, the bench has instructed the state government and the Pollution Control Board to furnish detailed information on the implementation of the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules. These rules, which came into effect in Bihar on March 28, 2016, outline stringent provisions for the safe handling, treatment, and disposal of biomedical waste. The court's inquiry focuses on ensuring that these regulations are being adhered to effectively to prevent environmental contamination and health hazards.
The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on April 20, underscoring the court's commitment to monitoring progress and holding authorities accountable. This judicial intervention highlights the critical importance of robust waste management systems in healthcare settings, particularly in a state like Bihar where infrastructure gaps have long been a concern.
Background on the Petitioner: Vikas Chandra, an advocate practicing at the Patna High Court, has been actively involved in raising public interest issues through legal channels. His PIL has brought much-needed attention to the systemic failures in biomedical waste disposal, prompting judicial action to safeguard community health and environmental integrity.
