In an example of civic negligence, heaps of biomedical waste, including used syringes, blood-stained gloves and discarded vials, were found strewn openly near Mint Gumri Chowk in Model Town on Sunday morning.
The hazardous material lay scattered adjacent to Maharashtra Bank, in full public view, posing a grave risk to residents, sanitation workers and unsuspecting children. The shocking sight was first flagged by a city resident and social activist Arvind Sharma, who spotted the biomedical litter around 10:30 am while passing from the stretch. Sharma has also shot a letter to the Civil Surgeon in this regard.
“It was lying near a pillar, dumped carelessly in the open. It is not only negligence but also a public health disaster waiting to happen,” Sharma said in his complaint to the Civil Surgeon, Ludhiana.
The issue reveals a disturbing mix of infectious medical waste dumped without any safeguards.
Experts warn that such material, if left exposed, could spread infections and endanger lives. Biomedical waste management rules mandate strict segregation, treatment and disposal, violations of which invite penal action.
Sharma has urged the Civil Surgeon’s office to ensure immediate removal of the waste, initiate an inquiry to identify the source and take punitive action against violators. A copy of the complaint has also been marked to the Punjab Pollution Control Board.
Another Model Town resident, Balbir Singh, said: “Many hospitals are located in the area and we often spot such waste lying around. It is shocking that the authorities have failed to check the menace. Another resident said: “It is not the first time we have seen biomedical waste dumped in the area. With so many hospitals nearby, the issue keeps recurring and the authorities concerned must act firmly.”
What the norms say
Later during the day, PPCB Chief Engineer Raj Kumar Ratra, while taking a swift action against the incident, sent a PPCB team and a biomedical van to the spot and get cleared the place of the biomedical waste.
Under the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, all hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres are required to segregate waste into colour-coded bags, ensure safe collection and send it for treatment at authorised facilities. Infectious materials such as syringes, needles and blood-stained gloves must be sterilised or incinerated to prevent disease transmission. Open dumping of biomedical waste is strictly prohibited and constitutes a punishable offence under the Environment Protection Act. The authorities are mandated to conduct regular inspections and penalise violators to safeguard public health.
