SAMBALPUR: The Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) issued a show-cause notice to a private hospital after biomedical waste was allegedly found dumped in an open area near the Mahanadi immersion pond at Kacheri chowk on Wednesday.
Acting on reports of the illegal dumping, SMC commissioner Rehan Khatri on Wednesday evening directed an immediate inspection of the site. A sanitation team led by nodal officer (sanitation) Susanta Kumar Sahoo visited the location and conducted a preliminary inquiry. Later, the SMC commissioner also visited the spot.
After initial investigation, officials suspected that the biomedical waste may have originated from Vaidya Vikash Hospital from some documents found from the garbage. Subsequently, the civic body served a show-cause notice on the hospital, directing its management to submit an explanation.
Considering the seriousness of the matter, the SMC informed the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) and the chief district medical officer (CDMO) of Sambalpur, requesting a comprehensive probe into the incident.
Officials said a detailed investigation is underway and appropriate action will be taken against those found responsible for dumping the biomedical waste in the open. Khatri said the SMC maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards any negligence that compromises public health or the environment. “We have initiated action immediately after receiving the report and will ensure a thorough investigation. Strict monitoring of biomedical waste management will continue, and stringent action will be taken against any individual or institution found violating the prescribed norms,” he added.