Una, July 28: A district-level review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Una, Ishant Jaswal, with the aim of ensuring the effective and timely implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, in the district. Officials from the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, various Urban Local Bodies, the Rural Development Department, and other concerned departments participated in the meeting.
During the meeting, compliance with the Supreme Court's directives regarding solid waste management was reviewed in detail, and the progress of responsibilities assigned to the members of the district-level implementation committee was discussed. The ADC stated that solid waste management is not merely a matter of cleanliness; it is a crucial responsibility linked to environmental conservation, public health, and sustainable development, requiring all departments to work in a coordinated and accountable manner.
He also inquired about the current status of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, across all urban and rural local bodies in the district. Detailed discussions were held regarding the availability and operational status of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), compost plants, plastic waste management units, waste processing centers, and scientific landfill sites. Additionally, assessments were made regarding the volume of waste generated, collection efficiency, transportation systems, processing capacity, and final disposal arrangements for each urban body and Block Development Office.
The ADC issued instructions for the effective implementation of four-way waste segregation at the source. He emphasized the need to further strengthen the systems for the separate collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of wet, dry, domestic hazardous, and sanitary waste. Special emphasis was also placed on identifying and registering Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs) and ensuring on-site waste processing.
The ADC also reviewed the status of legacy waste sites and the progress of bio-remediation activities. He directed the concerned officials to ensure the scientific disposal of legacy waste within the stipulated timeframe and to submit regular progress reports. He also discussed matters regarding timely reporting on the CPCB Solid Waste Management portal, the appointment of nodal officers, and the development of a dedicated webpage for solid waste management on the district administration's website.
The ADC instructed that progress reports, photographs, and necessary information be uploaded regularly.
While reviewing plastic waste management in rural areas, directives were issued to Block Development Offices to ensure the effective operation of collection centers and plastic waste management units. Additionally, a review was conducted regarding the enforcement drive against banned single-use plastic (SUP), covering inspections, challans issued, seizures made, and environmental compensation recovered.
Emphasizing the need to boost IEC activities, public awareness campaigns, citizen engagement, and the participation of schools and colleges, the ADC stated that public participation is crucial for waste segregation at the source and for waste reduction.
He also reviewed the status of the constitution and functioning of the District Level Implementation Committee and the District Level Special Cell. The ADC directed all concerned departments to ensure regular coordination, continuous monitoring, and effective implementation at the field level.
Regional Officer of the Pollution Control Board Praveen Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Municipal Corporation Una Manoj Kumar, BDO Amb Ompal Dogra, along with representatives from all local bodies and other officials, were present on the occasion.