Shija Common Bio Medical Waste Treatment Facility
Overview
The Shija Common Bio Medical Waste Treatment Facility (CBWTF) was certified by the Manipur Pollution Control Board on October 18, 2013. As of June 2024, 402 organizations, including private and government health facilities, NGOs, dental clinics, diagnostic centres, research laboratories, and military hospitals, have registered with the facility. It serves various districts in Manipur, including Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Kakching, Kangpokpi, Chandel, Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, and Tengnoupal.
Construction of the CBWTF is progressing despite the current situation in Manipur, on a two-acre plot of land at Lamdeng provided by MAHUD, Government of Manipur. It is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Infrastructure & Equipment
· Incinerators: In 1999, the incineration of anatomical parts began with a 5 kg capacity electric heater on RIMS Road. In 2008, the first incinerator, with a capacity of 25 kg per hour, was inaugurated by Dr. Elangbam Dijamani, Chairman of the Manipur Pollution Board, and was exclusively used by Shija Hospitals as a captive facility. The facility obtained certification in 2013 as a common bio-medical waste treatment facility and adheres to the Bio-medical Waste Management Rules of 2016. As of 2024, the current incinerator has a capacity of 100 kg per hour with a wet scrubber, and a new 200 kg per hour capacity incinerator (dry scrubber) is set for installation.
· Shredder
· Glass Crusher
· Horizontal Autoclave
· Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) with a capacity of 10 Kilo Litres per Day (KLD), and an upgrade to 60 KLD is currently underway as installation is awaited.
Legal Compliance and Monitoring:
The facility installed an Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (OCEMS) to monitor nine parameters, ensuring the incinerator's efficiency and pollution levels. Barcode system also implemented to track the waste from collection to disposal, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Collection vehicles:
Four GPS-equipped vehicles are used for efficient waste collection and tracking.
Environmental Protection Initiatives
Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP):
The ETP treats liquid waste to prevent environmental release. It monitors pH levels, suspended particulate matter, and organic matter percentages. Liquid waste is continuously recycled to function as a scrubber medium in the incinerator and undergoes treatment. Water is tested annually by NABL-accredited labs.
Ash disposal:
The ashes from incineration are disposed of in secure landfills. Regular testing ensures complete combustion and checks for heavy metals.
Green Belt Development:
Trees are planted to increase oxygen levels, and the site is secured with CCTV and security measures.
Awareness and Training Programs
The facility conducts regular awareness and training programs, seminars, and conferences for healthcare employees, medical students undergoing MBBS & PG courses and Manipur government employees. State and district-level initiatives enhance understanding and compliance with bio-medical waste management practices. Shija is dedicated to maintaining high standards of waste management, legal compliance, and environmental protection through continuous monitoring, advanced infrastructure, and proactive initiatives.