Report on bio-med waste disposal sought

The first bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice M Sundar while dealing with the PIL moved by Dr J Umarani, on noting that the aspect pertaining to issuance of licences to treat bio-medical waste was crucial, directed the government pleader to file an affidavit explaining as to whether such licenses are being issued at the first place and if so to whom within three weeks. 

The bench’s response came about after the submission of the Government Pleader M K Subramaninan that several pleas with similar reliefs have been filed before the Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Chennai and the tribunal has already issued appropriate orders in this regard. 

The petitioner had submitted that currently there is no authorised body or person to handle bio-medical waste in the state, resulting in failure to treat and dispose such wastes as per the provisions of Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 1998.  

She also stated that since her representation to the state and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board highlighting the issue on August 22 had failed to evoke any response, she had no choice but to approach the HC.