Typical Kashmiri approach of ignoring festering issues until these become unmanagable does not apply only to political controversies
Biomedical waste
The advances made in medical science and the technological interventions in the surgeries conduct these days, have given much relief to us. But with this a new problem has risen. One such serious issue is related to our environment. While our environment is facing many threats, improper and unscientific disposal of biomedical waste is menacingly looking at us, right in the middle of our face.
The production of this waste has increased manifold which has resulted in serious threat to environment. The reason for this is that the people are not very cautious while disposing off this waste. Improper and unhygienic disposal has resulted in a number of issues which need to be addressed at the earliest.
In this regard Jammu and Kashmir State Pollution Board, JKSPB, organized a workshop cum training programme on the scientific disposal of biomedical waste at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre. Although, the officials were upbeat about the fact that there is no financial constraint which can hamper the process, however, lack of awareness and knowledge among the medical practitioners about the proper disposal and dumping of the biomedical waste has been a matter of great concern. Medical professional make use of the equipment, but hardly bother about its disposal. However, before the situation goes out of control and take turn for worse, there are certain methods which can be effectively used to curb the problem from spreading any further.
First and foremost is to aware the people, particularly the medical fraternity, about how the waste can be managed. This awareness can be created by organizing seminars and by using the means of mass media. However, the scope of these programmes should not be narrowed down to Srinagar or its adjacent areas. It should cover every district, sub district, and every village. An important part can be played by NGOs and media; if these two organs of the society join their hands and launch a large scale campaign involving various sections of the society, a lot can be achieved. And hopefully we can be able to protect ourselves and our environment.
(Rising Kashmir)