SPCBs,PCCs in UTs empowerd to act against polluting industries

New Delhi, Nov 2 (UNI) The Centre has delegated powers to all State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) in Union Territories to issue directions to any industry or authority for violation of standards and Rules, inter-alia, relating to Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998.

The powers are vested in it under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, an official release said here.

The SPCBs and PCCs are the designated Prescribed Authorities for implementation of the Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998.

The SPCBs/PCCs are required to closely monitor the implementation of the Rules by the Health Care Establishments (HCEs) and take necessary legal action like issuing showcause notices to the health care establishments, which violate these Rules, the release said.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have also addressed all the SPCBs and the PCCs in UTs from time to time for strict implementation of the Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling Rules), 1998, it added.

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