Unchecked medical waste dumping in Assam’s border town sparks health and environmental crisis

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 1, 2025

Hospitals in Karbi Anglong district are under scrutiny for allegedly dumping hazardous biomedical waste in the open at the Bokajan Municipality Dump Yard, in blatant violation of waste management norms. Such dumping is taking place in Bokajan, Assam, a town situated near the Nagaland border. The practice, reported by both government and private hospitals, has triggered alarm among local residents, environmentalists, and health experts.

Used syringes, gloves, empty medicine vials, and other infectious materials have been found scattered alongside household waste, raising serious public health concerns. Despite a dedicated pit designated for biomedical disposal, much of the waste is reportedly being dumped in the open and burned, releasing toxic fumes into the nearby residential area.

“The situation is alarming. This is not regular trash — it’s hazardous medical waste that threatens our health and our environment,” said a local resident. Homes and grazing areas lie just 100 to 200 meters from the site, putting both people and livestock at risk.

Environmental experts warn that the improper disposal of biomedical waste can contaminate air, soil, and water. Burning this waste releases harmful pollutants while mixing it with municipal garbage increases the risk of infectious disease. Groundwater contamination and the pollution of nearby streams are also becoming threats.

Compounding the issue, some private hospitals are reportedly discharging untreated liquid biomedical waste directly into public drains. These drains lead into local water bodies, and authorities have yet to confirm whether any form of chemical treatment is being applied prior to disposal.

Municipal officials acknowledge they cannot monitor the dump yard continuously. “Hospital vehicles often arrive late at night or early morning, making enforcement extremely difficult,” said a municipal source.

Residents are demanding immediate action from the district administration. Their key demands include- strict penalties against hospitals flouting biomedical waste rules, installation of CCTV cameras at the dump site, regular audits and inspections by pollution control and health authorities and public disclosure of hospital waste disposal practices.

Under the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, and the 2025 guidelines from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), hospitals are required to segregate biomedical waste into four categories — red, blue, white, and yellow — and treat each accordingly. Yellow waste, considered the most dangerous, must be incinerated through approved facilities. Any form of open dumping or burning is illegal and subject to penalties.

The Bokajan case has highlighted a serious enforcement gap and lack of accountability. With toxic waste being handled carelessly and public health at risk, experts stress the need for urgent corrective measures to prevent further environmental and health fallout.