In order to assess the biomedical waste management; the practices currently operative and compliance with Regulatory Notification for Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998, under the Environment (Protection Act 1986), Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Govt of India; the level of awareness regarding biomedical waste management and handling rules among the hospital staff; training imparted to the waste handlers and other particulars regarding risk associated with the handling of biomedical waste, the present study was carried out during May-July 2010 which involved the use of questionnaire method, in-depth interview and personal observation to crosscheck the authenticity of information gathered. During the study, the existing practices of biomedical waste management appeared to be unsatisfactory; hospitals did not conform to the Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998. Waste segregation was found not practiced by the hospitals surveyed and knowledge regarding biomedical waste management was found highest among the doctors i.e. 94.3% and 96% at SKIMS and SMHS hospital respectively indicating that people with higher qualification possessed more awareness regarding the prescribed rules. No specific training and awareness programs on biomedical waste management were organized by the hospital authorities.