The National Green Tribunal has directed the CPCB to submit a fresh compliance report on biomedical waste disposal after inspections revealed widespread violations of the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 across several states and Union Territories.
New Delhi, August 7, 2026: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to submit a fresh compliance report on the implementation of biomedical waste disposal norms after inspections revealed widespread violations of the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 across multiple States and Union Territories.
A Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson of the NGT, and Expert Member Dr. Afroz Ahmad issued the direction while hearing a case concerning the disposal of biomedical waste through the deep burial method. The matter has been scheduled for its next hearing on October 28, 2026.
According to the CPCB’s compliance report submitted on August 4, 17 of India’s 36 States and Union Territories continue to use the deep burial method for biomedical waste disposal. The report stated that 9,178 healthcare facilities (HCFs) currently rely on this method. While 5,715 facilities were found to be fully compliant, thousands of others violated one or more provisions of the biomedical waste management rules.
The CPCB identified several recurring violations, including inadequate groundwater protection beneath burial pits, lack of mandatory authorisation for burial sites, poor record maintenance, burial locations situated too close to residential areas or water bodies, insufficient monitoring during waste disposal, and failure to prevent animal access to burial sites.
As part of its enforcement drive, the CPCB inspected 120 healthcare facilities, of which only 16 fully complied with all prescribed standards. The remaining facilities were found to have various deficiencies in implementing biomedical waste disposal guidelines.
During the hearing, the CPCB informed the Tribunal that it has already issued notices to the concerned State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs). The Board further stated that if corrective measures are not implemented within eight weeks, it will initiate action under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which empowers it to issue legally binding directions against defaulting authorities.
The NGT has instructed the CPCB to submit an updated compliance report at least one week before the next hearing, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of biomedical waste management regulations to protect public health and the environment.
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