Imphal, August 25: Acting on a public interest litigation the Gauhati High Court has raised certain queries to state authorities regarding management of bio-medical waste by health care units in the State.

In a division bench sitting, justices Maibam BK Singh and BD agarwal pronounced an interim ruling on August 23 after general secretary of Universal Education and Well-Being Laishramcha Jinine Meitei questioned state's policy on the issue.

The Court asked the respondents including health and forest authorities on whether the Government has constituted an advisory committee as prescribed in the provisions of Bio-Medical (Management and Handling) Rules 2000.It also posed whether or not the State has been observing control and supervision mechanism in respect of the listed authority (Manipur Pollution Control Board) as is necessitated by clause 7(3) of the said Rules 2000.Enquiring on steps initiated, if any, by the State with regard to proper management and handling of bio-medical wastes generated by Govt hospitals and health care units as required under provision governing environment protect, the Division Bench further demanded information on whether any appointment has been effected for effective supervision as per prescribed regulation of Manipur Nursing Homes and Clinics Act 1992 and Rules 1993.Apart from insisting on details pertaining to number of health units run by private parties, manner in which bio-medical wastes are transported for disposal and preventive steps by the Manipur Pollution Control Board in preventing possible health hazards and environmental degradation, the Imphal Municipal Council also came under the Court's scanner on what measures had been adopted for preparation of disposal sites.

The listed respondents have been asked to furnish details in two months' time for further hearing.

Advocate Maibam Paikhomba, who appeared in behalf of the petitioner said a study conducted by the WHO came to light that over 50,000 people die everyday in the world from infectious diseases whose causes are linked to improper waste management.

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