Bengaluru doctor booked for allegedly dumping biomedical waste into rural lake

Bengaluru: A case has been registered against a doctor working at a private clinic for allegedly dumping biomedical waste into the Yentaganahalli lake in Bengaluru Rural district. The action was initiated following directions from the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre. 

During a surprise visit to Yentaganahalli Gram Panchayat, local residents informed the minister that medical waste had been dumped into the lake. Minister Khandre immediately instructed the Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer to inspect the site and initiate criminal proceedings against those responsible. 

Following the directive, Panchayat EO Bindu conducted a spot inspection and submitted a report with photographic evidence. Based on this, Taluk Health Officer Dr Padmini filed a complaint at Nelamangala Police Station, news agency ANI reported.  

The officials who visited the spot found used syringes, blood-stained cotton and bandages stuffed in cement bags and dumped into the canal leading to the lake.

As the lake serves as a source of water for residents and livestock, officials noted the serious risk of disease spread. A case has been registered against the doctor running a private clinic. The FIR states that the doctor admitted that the waste was from his hospital. 

The officials said this serves as a warning to those who dump hazardous waste into drinking water sources such as lakes, ponds, wells, and rivers. 

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday announced that Delhi will soon get new Common Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs) to strengthen the Capital’s capacity to manage its increasing biomedical waste. Chairing a high-level meeting with officials from the National Productivity Council, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Sirsa reviewed a detailed framework for expanding biomedical waste management in the capital.