VARANASI, June 12 -- "Designate a nodal officer for the assessment and monitoring of biomedical waste management," Dr Afroz Ahmad, expert member/judge of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), directed the chief medical officer of Varanasi on Thursday. He also instructed authorities to ensure that biomedical waste is not retained in hospitals for more than 48 hours. He issued the directions while chairing a meeting to review compliance with NGT orders and assess ongoing environmental conservation initiatives in Varanasi. During the meeting, he sought detailed updates from officials of the concerned departments on river conservation efforts, green belt development, public awareness campaigns on environmental protection, sewage treatment, future action plans, and various waste management initiatives. He also issued necessary directions to the respective departments to ensure effective implementation of these measures. He directed the chief medical officer of Varanasi to appoint a nodal officer for the assessment and monitoring of biomedical waste management. He also instructed hospital authorities to ensure that biomedical waste is not stored on hospital premises for more than 48 hours. He directed the Regional Pollution Officer of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to identify a suitable recycler or buyer for the safe disposal of e-waste. He also stressed the need to enhance public awareness about proper e-waste management and disposal practices. He emphasised strict compliance with all directions and conditions laid down by the Supreme Court of India and the National Green Tribunal. He also directed that treated sewage water be utilised for agriculture, landscaping, horticulture, and construction activities. Additionally, he instructed the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) to encourage and recognise individuals who help preserve trees that are 100 to 200 years old. He instructed the district agriculture officer to educate farmers living along the banks of the Ganges on minimising pesticide use, undertaking tree plantations, and properly bunding their fields. He directed authorities to maximise compost production from biodegradable waste, implement effective groundwater recharge measures, and undertake large-scale plantation drives along drains. Further, he instructed the development of biodiversity forests on Gram Panchayat land. District magistrate Satyendra Kumar briefed the attendees on the initiatives being undertaken in the district regarding waste management and disposal, river conservation, and environmental protection. Municipal commissioner Himanshu Nagpal provided details on door-to-door garbage collection, waste segregation, and disposal processes across all wards of the municipal corporation area. He also outlined the plans for the scientific and safe disposal of legacy and untreated waste. CDO Prakhar Kumar Singh, DFO Swati Singh, and VDA Vice-Chairman Purna Bohra, were present at the meeting....