Pune: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has taken decisive action against two hospitals operated by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for their failure to comply with the regulations concerning biomedical waste management.

The hospitals, situated at Mitramandal Chowk and Timber Market, were found in violation of the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, leading to the issuance of official notices by the MPCB.

The issue at hand is a serious one, as improper management of biomedical waste can pose significant health and environmental risks. According to the MPCB’s regional officer, J.S. Salunkhe, these hospitals have been directed to establish separate storage facilities for biomedical waste within a month.

This directive is aimed at ensuring that hazardous waste is stored properly until it can be safely disposed of. Moreover, the hospitals are also required to submit an annual report that details their waste management practices, along with information about their sewage treatment facilities.

This is not the first time the MPCB has intervened. An initial notice had been issued earlier, warning the hospitals to take corrective action. However, due to their continued negligence and failure to comply, a second notice became necessary.

The repeat violation underscores the lapses within the PMC's own healthcare facilities, which stand in stark contrast to the strict enforcement actions the PMC undertakes against other hospitals and institutions in the city.

The incident highlights a concerning double standard within the municipal administration, where the same body that imposes stringent regulations on others is found lacking in its own compliance.

This situation has brought to light the need for the PMC to address these internal issues promptly to maintain its credibility and ensure the safety and well-being of the public.