Sambalpur:Padmashree Haladhar Nag Tuesday led a delegation here which submitted a memorandum to collector Samarth Verma seeking proper management of medical wastes released by VSS Medical College and Hospital of Burla.
Members of Burla Manab Seva Sangathan led by Nag alleged hospital authorities are planning to put the wastes in Mahanadi water which would endanger the lives of many. They would stage a stir unless the issue is resolved soon, warned members.
On the other hand, collector Verma reportedly couldn’t recognise the Padmashree awardee. After speaking for a couple of minutes to the western Orissa poet, the collector sent the delegation back saying action would be taken following a probe. Nag wasn’t even offered a chair, it was learnt.
Meanwhile, collector’s behaviour towards Nag has evoked sharp reactions in many quarters as they took it as an insult to the poet.
When contacted, Nag said proposals are in place to release the medical wastes in river water. The water of Mahanadi would turn toxic and people would suffer from various diseases if the plan is executed, he added. He met the collector to apprise him of the situation, Nag further said.
On the issue of him being not recognised, the poet said he has no issue with the district magistrate since he is new in the office.
In the memorandum, it was pointed out that there is no proper plan in place to manage the water in Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR).
Disposables like used syringes, empty saline and glucose bottles are not being destroyed and set on fire near human habitation. The toxic fume generated by it has increased the air pollution in the area. Besides, the decomposed organs of human body after surgery are abandoned on the river bank which are often dragged by dogs and left at residential areas. To resolve such issues, the hospital authorities are planning to release the waste and dirty water into the river Mahanadi.
People of entire state use the water of the river and mixing of medical waste with the river water would put the lives of millions under threat, the members said.
Demanding proper waste management plan in the hospital, they threatened to take to the street if the administration fails to address the issue. PNN
