JNIMS set to probe waste disposal case
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 06 2025: JNIMS has constituted an internal committee to investigate the disposal and burial of biomedical and chemical waste at its southern campus (reported as Central Dairy Plant), following a report of alleged improper waste disposal.

The Sangai Express broke the story of the haphazard disposal of toxic wastes on its April 4 edition, datelined Imphal April 3, near the compound of the Central Dairy Plant and this story was quickly picked up by other news channels, the reports of which went viral on the social media, prompting many concerned people of the land to chip in with their strong disapproval.

JNIMS set to probe waste disposal case

All waste disposal activities at the site have been suspended.

The committee was established on April 4, as stated in an action taken report signed by JNIMS Director Prof L Usharani.

According to the report, the waste in question was primarily general hospital waste, but some biomedical waste was unintentionally mixed in.

It also said that JNIMS authorities had held discussion with Manipur Police Control Board officials on April 4 to clarify the situation and seek technical support for immediate rectification of the issue.

The resolutions adopted during the meeting were to upgrade the incinerator at the hospital, streamline segregation of biomedical waste and transportation of general waste to Lamdeng solid waste management plant among others.

It further said that all departments have been instructed on strict segregation of general, biomedical and anatomical waste.

Additional training sessions are also being organised to reinforce standard waste handling protocol as per the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, the report continued.

The report went on to state that an alternate, designated waste disposal collector and transporter for solid waste disposal at the designated site at Lamdeng Khunou will be identified in compliance with legal standards.

Bio medical wastes, on the other hand, will be disposed at its Incinerator Plant, it added.

JNIMS has also initiated pest control and odour neutralisation efforts in response to the health concerns raised by the students of Modern College, it added.

The report also said that a proposal for engaging a Gov authorised waste management vendor will be submitted to the Department of Health and Family Welfare for financial and administrative approval.