HP: High Court seeks affidavit on medical waste incineration at Medical Colleges

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh , High Court has sought a reply from the state government on the issue of burning of waste generated by Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College and Hospital, Tanda, in Kangra, and - Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Shimla, through an affidavit,within two weeks.

Taking suo motto notice of the information provided to the High Court that due to burning of wastes in the open, rivers of the state were getting polluted at eight places, a division bench comprising of acting Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Ajay Mohan Goel has sought reply from the government in this regard.

The High Court was also intimated that medical waste of the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital is being burnt in the open at the Bharyal Garbage plant, resulting in the environment getting polluted.

Solid waste processing plants have yet to be set up despite, the Supreme Court having asked for the same.

10 of the 61 urban local bodies, including cantonment boards have set up waste processing or disposal facility. The remaining dispose off waste at designated sites. Urban local bodies who have waste disposal or processing facility, do not function properly.

Himachal Pradesh generates 300-350 metric tonnes of waste on a daily basis; however, no exact record is available on how much of the generated waste is biodegradable, recyclable or inert.

River banks are being exposed to left over solid waste by urban local bodies of Paonta, Bilaspur, Parwanoo, Rohru, and Rampur, with little concern being shown for the environment reports TOI.