Sambalpur, Odisha: A penalty of Rs 11 lakh has been imposed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences And Research (VIMSAR) in Sambalpur over the alleged violation of waste management norms. Earlier, the CPCB had conducted a field visit in August and expressed concerns over the treatment and disposal of biomedical waste at VIMSAR. The Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules aim at improving collection, segregation, processing, treatment and disposal of Bio-medical wastes in environmentally sound management thereby, reducing biomedical waste and its impact on the environment.
Based on the observations during its visit, the CPCB had issued a show-cause notice to VIMSAR under section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act for several non-compliances. Though CPCB had directed the authorities to submit a time-bound action plan and action taken report along with supporting documents and photographs within 15 days, no reply was allegedly submitted. The CPCB has asked the VIMSAR officials to take corrective measures and submit an action taken report and deposit environmental compensation charges of Rs 11,22,000. VIMSAR in-charge director, Bhabagrahi Rath admitted the non-compliances. “The penalty notice and non-compliances were highlighted from the date of inspection till September. We are taking urgent steps to rectify things,” said Rath.