Karnataka High Court seeks BBMP explanation on disposal of used masks, gloves

The High Court of Karnataka Tuesday directed the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike to submit an explanation on how used masks and gloves collected from designated hospitals and residences of patients are disposed of. 

Bengaluru: In the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation in the state, the High Court of Karnataka Tuesday directed the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to submit an explanation on how the civic body disposes of used protection equipment.

The High Court has demanded an explanation from the BBMP on how masks and gloves collected from designated hospitals and residences of patients.

The High Court reportedly wanted to know whether BBMP was ensuring implementation as per the norms of the Bio Medical Waste Management (BMWM) Rules, 2016, while hearing a bunch of public interest litigations related to COVID-19 management in the city.

The direction was issued by the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Aravind Kumar.

Earlier, the Central Pollution Control Board had issued guidelines for handling, treatment and disposal of waste generated during treatment/diagnosis/quarantine of COVID-19 patients citing how such materials should be handled in adherence to the BMWM Rules.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru has reported 3,41,554 infections, 3,901 deaths, 3,14,956 discharges, including 4,868 on Tuesday, and 22,696 active cases.