Mumbai’s pollution regulator has issued a show-cause notice to a major civic-run hospital after an inspection uncovered serious lapses in biomedical waste management, raising concerns about public health safeguards and compliance with environmental norms. The inquiry, triggered by citizen complaints, found multiple violations that could potentially endanger hospital staff, patients, and the surrounding community.
According to officials aware of the inspection, the team from the state pollution control authority discovered that biomedical waste at the facility was being handled without adherence to the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016. Instead of being segregated and stored in designated zones, waste materials were reportedly mixed with regular dry and wet waste, creating the risk of contamination and accidental exposure. The inspection indicated that the lack of proper segregation was systemic rather than incidental. The findings come at a time when urban health facilities are under growing scrutiny for their environmental responsibilities. Public health experts note that biomedical waste mismanagement is not only a breach of regulatory norms but also undermines the broader goal of building safer and more sustainable cities. Hospitals, they argue, play a central role in promoting environmentally responsible practices, particularly in densely populated urban regions like Mumbai.
Regulators also found that both sewage treatment plants within the hospital premises were non-operational during the inspection. These systems are essential for treating wastewater before it is discharged into municipal networks. A senior environmental specialist pointed out that the malfunctioning of such plants increases the likelihood of untreated waste entering the city’s drainage channels, which could exacerbate pollution and undermine ongoing efforts to improve water quality. In addition to operational failures, the hospital had reportedly not submitted the mandatory bank guarantee required under its Consent to Operate conditions. This financial assurance, typically collected to ensure compliance with environmental standards, is considered a critical component of regulatory oversight. Officials said the absence of the guarantee constitutes an additional breach and reflects inadequate institutional accountability.
Following these findings, the regulator has asked the hospital to explain why punitive measures, including disconnection of utilities or closure orders, should not be initiated. The notice also warns of potential legal proceedings under environmental protection laws if satisfactory justification is not provided. A senior representative from the hospital said they were yet to receive details of the notice but maintained that waste segregation practices are currently being followed. The representative added that they would review the issue with the relevant departments, particularly given the recent change in administrative leadership.
Urban governance analysts say the incident highlights the urgent need for stronger monitoring mechanisms across public health institutions. Ensuring compliance with biomedical waste protocols, they argue, is not only a regulatory matter but also a cornerstone of sustainable, health-secure cities. The regulator’s action is expected to push for improved systems and reinforce the need for environmentally responsible healthcare infrastructure.
MPCB Highlights Critical Biomedical Waste Failures At Cooper Hospital, Issues Strict Notice
