Biomedical waste rule violations in Gujarat shot up more than five times in 2024. The Central Pollution Control Board's latest annual report flagged 3,562 healthcare and waste treatment facilities for breaking Biomedical Waste Management Rules.
In 2023, that number stood at 661. In 2022, 1,024.
Authorities have slapped an equal number of show-cause notices and directions on defaulters.
The spike comes as waste generation itself keeps climbing. Gujarat produced 56,512 kg of biomedical waste per day in 2024, up from 51,823 kg in 2023 and 47,843 kg in 2022. That is nearly 8,700 kg more per day than just two years ago.
More facilities, more waste
The growth tracks a healthcare boom. Gujarat now has 41,357 healthcare facilities, up from 37,396 in 2023 and 35,804 in 2022. Of these, 13,659 are bedded hospitals. The remaining 27,698 are non-bedded units such as clinics and diagnostic centres.
Compliance gaps
Dr Mahaveer Golechha, scientist at the Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar and UPSC advisor, expressed concern over the trend. "The sharp rise in biomedical waste violations is concerning. Improper segregation or disposal of biomedical waste increases the risk of infection transmission and environmental contamination. With the rapid expansion of healthcare facilities in Gujarat, monitoring and compliance mechanisms must be strengthened," he said. He added, "Biomedical waste, if not handled properly, poses serious risks to waste handlers, hospital staff and the community." The five-fold jump despite full treatment coverage has led the CPCB to ask the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) to plug the gaps. GPCB chairman R B Barad was not available for comment.
Enforcement lagging
Hospital beds in the state have risen from 2,23,997 in 2022 to 2,54,714 in 2024. All biomedical waste is treated and disposed of through 22 common treatment facilities, up from 20 in 2022.
Not a single healthcare unit runs its own treatment plant or incinerator.