Violations in Medical Waste 'Deep Burial' by 17 Indian States, UTs: CPCB to NGT

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has alerted the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to widespread violations concerning the disposal of biomedical waste across 17 Indian states and Union territories. The green body is currently examining the handling, treatment, and disposal practices of various treatment facilities.

A report filed by the CPCB detailed the practice of 'deep burial' for biomedical waste, a method permitted only in remote areas lacking common treatment facilities and requiring prior approval from state authorities. The tribunal noted that out of 9,178 healthcare facilities employing this method, a significant number, 3,463, failed to meet standard provisions.

Common violations include failing to maintain the required minimum groundwater table level of six meters below the burial pit and operating without proper authorization. In Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, all healthcare facilities using deep burial were found to be non-compliant.

The CPCB informed the tribunal that communications have been sent to the relevant State Pollution Control Boards. If compliance is not achieved within eight weeks, the Centre will issue directions under Section 5 of the Environment Act, 1986. This section grants the government powers to regulate or shut down industrial operations and terminate utility services to enforce environmental regulations. The NGT has scheduled the next hearing for October 28, 2026, and has directed the CPCB to submit a further progress report.

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Counsel appearing for the CPCB has informed that presently the communications have been sent to the concerned State Pollution Control Boards /Pollution Control Committees of the violating states and UTs and, if the compliance is not done within eight weeks, then the directions under Section 5 of the Environment Act, 1986 will be issued.