In an Abstract dated 18th December, 2018, issued by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (“Board”), the Board has stated that Bio-medical Waste generated from the Health Care Facilities (“HCF”) situated anywhere in Tamil Nadu can be taken for treatment and disposal by a Common Biomedical Waste Treatment and Disposal Facility (“CBWTF”) and there is no restriction for establishing another CBWTF within a radial distance of 75 kms.
Background
As per Rule 7(3) of the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 (“BMWM Rules”), no occupier can establish an on-site treatment and disposal facility if service of Common Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Facility is available at a distance of seventy-five kilometres.
As per the revised Guidelines for CBWTFs, coverage area for development of a CBWTF has been suggested which states that “A CBWTF located within the respective State/UT shall be allowed to cater to healthcare units situated within a radial distance of 75 Kms. However, in a coverage area where 10,000 beds are not available within 75km, existing CBWTF in the locality (located within the respective State/UT) may be allowed to cater to the healthcare units situated up to 150km radius with respect to its location provided the bio-medical waste generated is collected, treated and disposed of within 48 hours as stipulated under the BMWM Rules.
This matter was placed for consideration before the Board in a meeting held on 6th December, 2018 for approval to consider that the Bio-Medical waste generated from HCFs situated anywhere in Tamil Nadu as well as there is no restriction for establishment of another CBWTF within a radial distance of 75 km.
The Board arrived at the decision that the Bio-Medical Waste generated from HCFs situated anywhere in Tamil Nadu can be taken for treatment and disposal within 48 hours by a CBWTF situated anywhere in Tamil Nadu and there is no restriction for establishing another CBWTF within a radial distance of 75 km.
Source: Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board
