A CORRESPONDENT
BOKAJAN: In a troubling revelation that has sparked public outrage, solid biomedical waste from both private and state-run hospitals is being indiscriminately dumped in the open at the Bokajan Municipality Dump Yard in Karbi Anglong district. This flagrant violation of waste management norms poses a grave threat to public health and the environment.
Discarded items such as empty vials, used syringes, gloves, and potentially infectious medical waste, all of which require specialized handling and disposal, are being found strewn alongside general waste at the municipal dumping site. Despite the existence of a dedicated pit for biomedical waste, hospitals reportedly discard waste in open areas and often burn it without regard for the consequences, leaving residents exposed to toxic fumes and contaminated surroundings.
The burning of biomedical waste releases a toxic cocktail of pollutants into the air causing a wide range of illnesses to people and animals over prolonged exposure. This unregulated incineration has also resulted in widespread environmental degradation in the vicinity of the dump yard.
"The situation is alarming. This isn't just trash. This is hazardous waste that could spread diseases and pollute our soil and water," said a local resident, visibly distressed by the sight of medical refuse just 100-200 meters from residential zone and cattle grazing area.
Environmental experts warn that mixing biomedical waste with regular municipal garbage not only defeats the purpose of segregation at the source but also renders the entire waste lot infectious. The open dumping of such waste can contaminate groundwater, pollute nearby water bodies, and spread infectious diseases to humans and animals alike.
Adding to the growing concern, some private hospitals have reportedly been disposing off Liquid Biomedical Waste directly into public drains. These drains eventually feed into local streams, raising fears of chemical and microbial contamination. There is no clarity on whether this liquid waste undergoes any form of chemical treatment before disposal, further intensifying public anxiety.
Residents have also expressed frustration over the lack of enforcement and oversight by municipal authorities. Officials claim they cannot monitor the dump yard around the clock and that private hospital vehicles often arrive at odd hours to discard waste wherever they please.
Locals are now calling on the district administration to urgently investigate and penalize the clinics and hospitals responsible. They have demanded the installation of surveillance at the dump yard, strict enforcement of waste management protocols, and regular audits to ensure compliance.
As concerns mount, the Bokajan biomedical waste crisis stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of systemic neglect and the urgent need for accountability, transparency, and action.
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