National Green Tribunal investigates waste violations and Ganga tributary tapping

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is addressing multiple environmental compliance issues in India. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has informed the tribunal of widespread violations regarding the ‘deep burial’ of biomedical waste across 17 states and Union territories. While deep burial is permitted in remote areas lacking treatment facilities, a report found that out of 9,178 healthcare facilities using this method, only 5,715 were compliant. Major violations include operating without authorization and failing to maintain required groundwater table levels. The CPCB has issued communications to violating state boards, warning that failure to comply within eight weeks could lead to enforcement actions under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Separately, the NGT has summoned the Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to explain the tapping of the Asi river, a tributary of the Ganga in Varanasi. The tribunal noted that the river is being intercepted, which may violate the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order of 2016. Although the NMCG described the tapping as an ‘interim measure’ to manage pollution loads until sewerage networks are finished, the tribunal noted a lack of a specific timeline for restoring natural flow. The DG is expected to appear at the next hearing on October 13.