ORDER

1. The issue for consideration is the remedial action to address the gaps in compliance of the BMW Rules, 2016, as applicable to the disposal of bio-medical waste arising out of handling of COVID-19 disease.

2. Scientific management of such waste is necessary for protection of environment and public health in view of potential of such infectious waste affecting public health generally and the concerned workers and professionals etc. in particular. The matter was earlier considered vide order dated 23.04.2020 in the light of news item dated 19.04.2020, published in the Indian Express titled (cid:145)Biomedical waste facilities, a red flag in coronavirus fight(cid:146). The Tribunal also considered the (cid:145)Guidelines for Handling, Treatment and Disposal of Waste Generated during Treatment/ Diagnosis/ Quarantine of COVID-19 Patients(cid:146). It was observed:-

(cid:147)We had interaction broadly on the need for revision of the laid down guidelines to address all concerns in the light of best practices and experience from time to time so that all aspects of scientific disposal of liquid and solid waste management are taken care of not only at institution level but also at indiv