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States Face Action Over Biomedical Waste Violations
10 Aug
Summary
- NGT to take action against states for biomedical waste disposal rule violations.
- Deep burial method requires prior state authority approval and specific conditions.
- Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan had all healthcare facilities non-compliant.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has notified the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that it will penalize states and Union territories that fail to adhere to biomedical waste disposal regulations. The NGT is currently reviewing a case concerning improper handling and disposal of such waste by various facilities nationwide.
A report from the NGT indicated that "deep burial" of biomedical waste was practiced in 17 states and Union territories. This method is restricted to remote areas where no common treatment facilities exist and requires explicit approval from state authorities.
It was found that out of 9,178 healthcare facilities using deep burial, over 3,400 were not compliant. Common issues included operating without necessary authorization and failing to maintain the required six-meter distance from the groundwater table.
States like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan showed complete non-compliance, with all their healthcare facilities violating established norms. The CPCB has been directed to issue formal communications to these non-compliant states and territories, with potential directions under the Environment Act, 1986, if compliance is not achieved within eight weeks.
The tribunal has mandated the CPCB to submit a further progress report by October 28, 2026, ensuring continuous oversight of the situation.
