Inching closer to top of waste pile
Central Pollution Control Board
Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities
Karnataka State Pollution Control Board
Karnataka has jumped to the second position in biomedical waste production in the country, a report by the(CPCB) has highlighted. The state is now generating 76 tonnes per day of biomedical waste, only next to Uttar Pradesh (91 tonnes per day).However, there is no gap in the generation and treatment of biomedical waste in Karnataka anymore. The report suggests that all the waste being generated under this category is being treated through Common(CBWTFs), incinerators, and deep burial pits.It also raises concerns about deep burial pits being used to dispose of biomedical waste. In Karnataka, as many as 1,581 healthcare facilities are utilising deep burial pits to treat this category of waste.In deep burial, biomedical waste is placed in a pit or trench and then covered with soil and lime. As per the Bio-medical Waste Management Rule (BMW) 2016, certain types of biomedical waste, such as human and animal anatomical waste and soiled waste, can be disposed of through deep burial where there is no access to CBWTF. Moreover, deep burial is permitted only in rural or remote areas where there is no access to CBWTF and carried out with prior approval from the prescribed authority, i.e., State Pollution Control Board, following standards prescribed under BMWM Rules.Experts say that if deep burial sites are not properly managed, they may lead to environmental pollution, including contamination of groundwater.'These sites should be leak-proof and should not be dug in areas with shallow aquifers. They should also be away from residential areas and located to ensure that no contamination occurs to surface water or groundwater. If not made watertight, it will contaminate groundwater sources. This system of disposing of biomedical waste is risky,' said a waste management expert.As per BMW rules too, the location of the deep burial site shall be authorised by the prescribed authority. Moreover, the groundwater table level should be a minimum of six metre below the lower level of the deep burial pit. Experts say that theshould ensure that treatment facilities are established even in remote areas, so deep burials of biomedical waste can be avoided.In Karnataka, 28 districts are currently covered by CBWTF. Belagavi, Haveri, and Kodagu still lack this facility.The CPCB report has also underlined that Karnataka currently has 54,594 healthcare facilities, and while 48,320 are authorised, 6,274 facilities are operating without authorisation. Moreover, 7,910 violations of BMWM Rules, 2016 were recorded in Karnataka in 2024, and notices were issued to 6,697 defaulting healthcare facilities.
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