Jharkhand Tightens Rules on Bio-Medical Waste Disposal

Ranchi — The Jharkhand government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards the improper handling of bio-medical waste, making it clear that untreated waste cannot be stored beyond 48 hours under any circumstances.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Ajay Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare. Officials agreed to roll out a comprehensive framework aimed at improving waste management practices across the state.

As part of the new plan, existing barcoding and GPS tracking systems will be strengthened to enable real-time monitoring of waste from its source to final disposal. The government is placing strong emphasis on enforcing the 48-hour deadline to prevent health hazards and environmental pollution.

Singh warned that any negligence in handling bio-medical waste would lead to strict action, noting that such lapses pose a direct threat to both public health and the ecosystem. He instructed authorities to ensure that every stage of waste management is handled scientifically and with full transparency.

Officials informed that five Common Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Facilities are currently operational in Jharkhand and are safely managing disposal. The new guidelines are expected to further streamline and strengthen the system.

Hospitals and healthcare institutions found violating the norms may face penalties, including environmental fines and cancellation of their registration.

In remote and inaccessible regions, authorities have been directed to adopt scientific disposal methods such as deep burial to ensure safe handling of waste.

The government believes that these stricter measures will make Jharkhand’s bio-medical waste management system more efficient, accountable, and environmentally safe.

Bio-medical waste management refers to the systematic process of segregating, collecting, transporting, treating, and safely disposing of waste generated during medical care, treatment, or immunisation.

With inputs from IANS