Karnataka HC directs govt to raise awareness and issue norms for mask disposal

The Karnataka High Court (HC) issued orders to the state government about taking the necessary actions and raising further awareness about the disposal of masks and also PPE kits for the common citizens which should adhere to the guidelines enumerated by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).

A division bench, passing the order, was led by Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Aravind Kumar. They stated about a circular dated August 24, for enforcement of the guidelines given by Central Pollution Control Board regarding disposing wastes from the residences of Covid-infected. But, the state government has failed to create the adequate awareness., the notice said.

The bench emphasized on the importance of the matter, as it is concern for a city like Bengaluru with population of over 1.30 crore. So, it was time, the state government took the required measures and raise awareness for the health and hygiene parameters of the residents. The bench issued the order for providing proper training to the pourakarmikas for waste handling and management as biomedical waste.

The bench issued the orders to finalize on the transportation charges regarding the supply of oxygen cylinders to Covid-19 hospitals. The state has been urged to agree with the same by October 24.

The government presented the price capped at Rs. 15.22 per cubic metre for Liquid Medical Oxygen and Rs. 25.71 per cubic metre will be for Oxygen Inhalation in Cylinder adhering to the pricing norms by National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority.