Kolkata: The West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) is laying special emphasis on systematic and scientific disposal of biomedical waste from the hospitals.
Proper disposal of waste is of utmost importance with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) coming out with guidelines like the use of double-layered bags, mandatory labelling and colour-coded bins for the management of waste generated during the diagnostics and treatment of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients.
"We are stressing on systematic removal of all medical waste generated from the COVID hospitals and quarantine centres across the state. The agencies involved in the work have been apprised of the guidelines laid by CPCB in this regard and they have been asked to strictly adhere to the guidelines," said Rajesh Kumar, Member Secretary of WBPCB.
The WBPCB recently held a meeting with Health, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs and Irrigation department and other concerned agencies on the directions issued by CPCB.
"We are closely monitoring the disposal and are taking a daily report from the agencies working in this area. The daily report needs to be compiled by May 31, 2020, and the matter on disposal of biomedical waste is scheduled to be heard by the National Green Tribunal in the month of June," a WBPCB official said.
There are six agencies in the state that works in the area of collection and disposal of biomedical waste. The Health department has provided protective gear in the form of PPE, gloves, face mask and similar equipment for the safety of those involved in this work.
According to CPCB, specific guidelines are required to be followed by all, including isolation wards, quarantine centres, sample collection centres, laboratories, ULBs and common biomedical waste treatment and disposal facilities, in addition to existing practices under Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016.
According to an official in the state Health department, the guidelines of CPCB are based on current knowledge on Covid-19 and existing practices in the management of infectious waste generated in hospitals while treating viral and other contagious diseases like HIV, H1N1, etc. The guidelines may be updated if the need arises.