The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has amended the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, to mandate the inclusion of Department of Ayush representatives in state and Union Territory advisory committees overseeing rule implementation. A separate amendment requires a nominated Ayush department representative in district-level monitoring committees to ensure compliance across healthcare facilities generating biomedical waste.
Previously, state advisory committees chaired by the health secretary comprised representatives from health, environment, urban development, animal husbandry, veterinary sciences departments, State Pollution Control Boards, urban local bodies, Indian Medical Association, common biomedical waste treatment facilities, and NGOs. These committees review implementation biannually and suggest improvements, now bolstered by Ayush expertise in traditional medicine waste handling.
District monitoring committees, led by District Medical Officers as member secretaries, previously included pollution control reps, public health engineering, local bodies, IMA, treatment facilities, and NGOs, meeting quarterly to check compliance in hospitals and disposal sites. The addition of Ayush members addresses growing waste from Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy facilities, promoting holistic oversight amid rising traditional healthcare integration.
Issued and published on April 20, 2026, these amendments align with national health goals, enhancing safe disposal of hazardous waste to curb environmental and public health risks from India’s expanding Ayush infrastructure.
