{"id":1881,"date":"2024-12-02T10:32:48","date_gmt":"2024-12-02T10:32:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=1881"},"modified":"2026-02-11T19:01:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T19:01:18","slug":"gs-iii-environment-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/gs-iii-environment-5\/","title":{"rendered":"GS III- Environment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

1.Mishandling of biomedical waste poses several inherent risks. In this context, discuss the measures taken to tackle biomedical waste in India.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Biomedical waste (BMW) refers to waste generated during medical and healthcare activities such as diagnosis, treatment, or research. Mishandling this waste poses risks such as:
1.Health Risks: <\/strong>Exposure to infectious agents, toxic chemicals, and radioactive substances can harm healthcare workers, patients, and waste handlers.
2.Environmental Risks:<\/strong> Improper disposal, such as open dumping or incineration, can lead to soil and water contamination and air pollution.
3.Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): <\/strong>Improper disposal of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals in waste exacerbates the global AMR crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

India has undertaken several initiatives to manage BMW effectively:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Legislative Framework<\/strong>
    \u25cfBiomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016:
    \u25cbIntroduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), these rules provide guidelines for BMW segregation, storage, transport, and disposal.
    \u25cbKey provisions include:
    \u25a0Segregation of waste at the source into color-coded bins (yellow, red, white, blue) based on waste type.
    \u25a0Prohibition of incineration of chlorinated plastic bags and gloves.
    \u25a0Use of barcoding and GPS for tracking waste.
    \u25cfAmendments in 2018 and 2019:
    \u25cbMandated pre-treatment of laboratory and microbiological waste before incineration.
    \u25cbInclusion of vaccination camps, blood donation drives, and surgical camps under BMW rules.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Institutional Mechanisms<\/strong>
    \u25cfCommon Biomedical Waste Treatment and Disposal Facilities (CBWTFs):
    \u25cbCentralized facilities handle collection, transport, and treatment of BMW.
    \u25cbCBWTFs use technologies like incineration, autoclaving, and shredding.
    \u25cfState Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs):
    \u25cbSPCBs monitor and enforce compliance with BMW regulations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Technology and Innovation<\/strong>
    \u25cfOnline Monitoring Systems:
    \u25cbIntegration of barcoding systems to track waste generation, movement, and disposal.
    \u25cfAlternative Technologies:
    \u25cbPromoting non-incineration technologies like autoclaving, microwaving, and chemical disinfection to reduce pollution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Capacity Building and Awareness<\/strong>
    \u25cfTraining Programs:
    \u25cbConducted for healthcare workers and waste handlers on BMW segregation, handling, and safety practices.
    \u25cfPublic Awareness Campaigns:
    \u25cbAimed at educating the general public on the risks of BMW and the importance of proper disposal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. COVID-19 Response<\/strong>
    \u25cfDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, additional measures were introduced to manage the surge in BMW:
    \u25cbGuidelines for the disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE), testing kits, and vaccine waste.
    \u25cbDedicated COVID-19 waste treatment facilities.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Challenges in Biomedical Waste Management<\/strong>
    \u25cfInfrastructure Deficit: <\/strong>Limited CBWTFs in remote areas lead to improper disposal.
    \u25cfLack of Awareness and Training:<\/strong> Inconsistent adherence to BMW segregation and disposal norms.
    \u25cfMonitoring Gaps: <\/strong>Ineffective implementation of tracking systems in some regions.
    \u25cfPollution from Incineration:<\/strong> Releases toxic emissions like dioxins and furans.
    Recommendations for Improvement
    \u25cfStrengthening Infrastructure: <\/strong>Establish CBWTFs in underserved areas and modernize waste treatment technologies.
    \u25cfEnhanced Monitoring:<\/strong> Use AI and IoT for real-time tracking of BMW compliance.
    \u25cfIncentives for Compliance:<\/strong> Provide financial and technical support to healthcare facilities to adopt eco-friendly practices.
    \u25cfCommunity Engagement:<\/strong> Foster public-private partnerships and engage civil society to improve awareness and compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Source: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/tamil-nadu\/stigma-of-hiv-and-birth-of-biomedical-waste-regulations-a-story-of-tragedy-and-reform\/article68908394.ece#:~:text=The%20stigma%20surrounding%20HIV%2C%20linked,Ronald%20Reagan%20administration%20to%20act.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n