Every healthcare facility—whether a small clinic, a nursing home, or a multi-specialty hospital—must obtain environmental clearance to manage biomedical waste and pollution. In West Bengal, these clearances are issued by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) through an integrated portal called Shilpasathi.
This blog explains the application process for:
Consent to Establish (CTE)
Consent to Operate (CTO)
Bio-Medical Waste (BMW) Authorization
What is Shilpasathi?
Shilpasathi – Single Window Services Portal is the unified platform for various regulatory approvals in West Bengal. It includes online applications to WBPCB for environmental clearances required by healthcare establishments.
Why is Pollution Clearance Required for Healthcare Facilities?
Healthcare units generate various forms of biomedical waste including soiled dressings, sharps, infectious waste, and chemical residues. According to Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, and Water & Air Pollution Control Acts, all healthcare facilities must:
Prevent environmental contamination
Ensure safe disposal of biomedical waste
Maintain regulatory compliance to avoid penalties or shutdown
Approvals Required from WBPCB
1. Consent to Establish (CTE)
CTE is mandatory before starting construction or operations of a new healthcare unit. It confirms that the proposed site and project plan comply with environmental norms.
2. Consent to Operate (CTO)
After CTE approval and completion of setup, a CTO must be obtained before beginning operations. This ensures ongoing compliance with pollution control norms.
3. Bio-Medical Waste (BMW) Authorization
All healthcare facilities generating biomedical waste must obtain this authorization. It allows the unit to store, handle, and dispose of waste via an authorized Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facility (CBWTF).
Application Process via Shilpasathi Portal
Here’s a step-by-step guide to apply for CTE, CTO & BMW Authorization:
Step 1: Register on Shilpasathi Portal
Visit: https://shilpasathi.wb.gov.in
Create an account and log in using your credentials.
Step 2: Fill in the Online Application
Choose the service:
Consent to Establish (CTE)
Consent to Operate (CTO)
Bio-Medical Waste Authorization
Enter establishment details including:
Name and type of healthcare unit
Ownership and contact details
Land documents and building plan
Waste generation estimate
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Typically required documents include:
Trade License
Fire NOC
Building Plan / Site Plan
Property Documents (Sale Deed/Rent Agreement)
Aadhaar / PAN of Applicant
Water and Sewage Connection Details
Affidavit/Undertaking
Agreement with CBWTF (like Medicare Environmental or similar)
Existing BMW Authorization (for renewal)
Previous CTE/CTO (for new CTO application)
Step 4: Pay the Fees Online
The fee amount varies based on the size and category of your facility. Payment is made directly through the portal.
Step 5: Track Application Status
Once submitted, you can track the progress under “My Applications” in your dashboard. WBPCB may raise clarification requests or schedule an inspection.
Step 6: Inspection and Approval
An official from WBPCB may visit the site before granting the approval. Once verified and approved, the certificate (CTE/CTO/BMW Authorization) will be available for download from your Shilpasathi account.
Validity & Renewal
CTE: Valid for the period specified in the certificate
CTO: Usually valid for 5 years (subject to WBPCB guidelines)
BMW Authorization: Renewable every 3 years
Timely renewal is essential to avoid legal consequences or operational restrictions.
Why Compliance is Crucial
Failure to obtain or renew WBPCB clearance can result in:
Monetary Penalties
Legal Action
Closure Notices from Regulatory Authorities
Loss of NABH or Quality Certifications
Need Help with WBPCB Applications?
We assist hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and diagnostic centres with:
Shilpasathi Portal Registration
End-to-end Documentation & Application Filing
CTE, CTO & BMW Authorization
Compliance Management & Renewals
Contact us today for professional support.
📞 +91 98313 55912
✉️ preetam.deb@gmail.com
🌐 www.hospital4doc.com