Aafrin Kidwai 
Following the COVID pandemic and lockdown, the cost of collection and disposal of bio-medical waste (BMW) in Ahmedabad has shot up to Rs 50 per kg from Rs 24 per kg, reports The Times of India. Following the Unlock 1.0, it has reduced to Rs 45 per kg.
In addition, hospitals are also being charged an additional average Rs 500 per trip for collection of Covid waste, a transportation charge which was non-existent in pre-Covid times. During the lockdown, transportation cost was Rs 750.
Those in the business of medical waste disposal reportedly claim costs have risen 100% as Covid-waste is highly contagious and all of it has to be incinerated.
Between March 23 and June 6, 20 operational BW disposal facilities of Gujarat have processed about 5.8 lakh kg (580 tons) of BW, said Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) officials. Ahmedabad topped the list with disposal of 65% of total waste or about 3.8 lakh (380 tons) of BMW.
Picture Credit: Gujarat Pollution Control Board
