Kochi: The Kochi Municipal Corporation, in collaboration with Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Ltd (KEIL) and the Aakri App, is taking steps to facilitate the collection of biomedical waste from households at a subsidised rate. This initiative aims to encourage waste segregation among residents and ensure proper disposal of biomedical waste.

To make the process convenient, the corporation has set up a customer care toll-free number, (1800) 890-5089, which will be the primary channel for collecting biomedical waste from households within the jurisdiction of the Kochi Corporation at the subsidised rates. The customer care number will operate from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday.

In addition to the customer care number, biomedical waste collection services will also be available through a WhatsApp-based messaging service and the My Kochi mobile application. These online platforms will be launched within the next week, allowing residents to easily schedule waste collection and report any areas where waste is being dumped. This will help the local body take prompt action and address waste management issues.

Under this new scheme, residents will only need to pay a subsidized price of Rs 12 per kg for the collection and transportation of biomedical waste. However, commercial establishments will still need to pay the full price of Rs 54 per kg for availing the service.

To ensure efficient waste management, division-wise camps for waste management will be organized on weekends, and a schedule will be prepared for waste collection from different divisions. This will help residents be aware of the collection timings and segregate their waste accordingly.

The collected biomedical waste will be transported to KEIL's biomedical waste treatment plant located at Ambalamedu for proper treatment and disposal. This collaborative effort between the Kochi Corporation, KEIL, and the Aakri App is expected to improve waste management practices and create a cleaner and healthier environment for Kochi residents.

The Government of India has implemented specific guidelines and regulations to ensure the safe handling, collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of biomedical waste. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) are responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with biomedical waste management rules. Regular inspections, audits, and penalties for non-compliance are enforced to maintain the standards.

Efficient biomedical waste management is crucial to prevent the spread of infections, protect the environment, and safeguard public health. Continued efforts in creating awareness, strengthening infrastructure, and strict enforcement of regulations are essential to achieve effective biomedical waste management in India. /BI/