Archive · 22 Jul 2026
NGT Acts on Illegal Burning of Expired Medicines in Bhopal
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in India has taken action against the illegal burning of expired medicines in Bhopal.
This burning is happening behind the RTO complex and is causing harm to the environment and people's health.
The NGT has asked several government departments to explain how this was allowed to happen.
They have also formed a committee to investigate and report back.
The NGT has reminded everyone that expired medicines must be disposed of properly in special incinerators, not burned openly.
The next hearing about this issue is on September 7.
NGT took suo motu cognizance of illegal burning of expired medicines in Bhopal.
The burning poses a significant threat to public health and the environment.
NGT issued notices to Bhopal district collector, state environment secretary, health secretary, and MPPCB member secretary.
The Tribunal questioned how the illegal disposal went unnoticed and what actions were taken.
NGT ordered the formation of a joint committee to inspect the site and submit a report within six weeks.
- Who
- National Green Tribunal (NGT)
- What
- Illegal burning of expired medicines
- When
- Wednesday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Rani Avantibai Transport Nagar, behind RTO complex in Kokta, Bhopal
- Why
- To address the serious violation of Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016
Environmental Protection
Regulatory Oversight
Environmental Impact
Environmental Protection
The open burning of expired medicines poses a significant threat to public health and the environment due to toxic fumes.
Regulatory Oversight
Regulatory agencies failed to notice and prevent the illegal disposal of biomedical waste.
Regulatory Compliance
Environmental Protection
Expired medicines must be disposed of through authorized incinerators as per the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Regulatory Oversight
The continued illegal disposal indicates a lack of enforcement and oversight by regulatory bodies.
- Location
- Rani Avantibai Transport Nagar, behind RTO complex in Kokta, Bhopal
- Date of NGT Notice
- Wednesday (specific date not mentioned)
- Next Hearing Date
- September 7
- Penalty for Violations
- Imprisonment up to 5 years and a fine up to Rs 1 lakh
- Committee Formation
- Joint committee to inspect the site and submit a report within 6 weeks