Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 23 Oct: A meeting of the State-Level Implementation and Monitoring Committee for Solid Waste Management (Urban Department) was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, today.
The meeting witnessed detailed discussions on the standards prescribed under the revised Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, and Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2026, their effective implementation, and ensuring compliance in both urban and rural areas. The progress of ongoing solid waste management projects at various locations, challenges encountered during their implementation, and the action plan for Swachh Uttarakhand Mission 2026–2030 were also reviewed.
The Chief Secretary directed officials to prepare a comprehensive and practical action plan, including bylaws and regulations, to ensure effective compliance with the new rules governing solid and plastic waste management. He emphasised the need to clearly define the responsibilities of private institutions, industrial organisations, and establishments generating large quantities of solid waste, along with a robust mechanism to ensure compliance with prescribed standards.
He stated that effective implementation of waste management regulations was essential not only in urban and semi-urban areas but also at rural tourist destinations witnessing a high influx of visitors. For this purpose, a robust and exemplary waste management model should be developed by clearly defining the responsibilities of the concerned urban local bodies, Gram Panchayats, and other implementing agencies. The model should be suitable for effective implementation across the state.
During the meeting, officials informed the committee through a presentation that provisions relating to enforcement, monitoring, and the imposition of penalties and challans had been strengthened under the new rules. Special emphasis has also been placed on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), uploading action-taken reports on designated portals through technological platforms, minimising the quantity of waste reaching landfills, ensuring scientific waste disposal, and promoting recycling. The responsibilities of establishments generating large quantities of waste have also been defined more clearly and strengthened.
The Chief Secretary directed that the concerned urban local bodies, Gram Panchayats, and other implementing agencies be provided with the necessary training to ensure effective compliance with the rules and enhance their operational capacity. He emphasised that waste management provisions must not remain confined to official documents but must be implemented effectively on the ground. Regular monitoring, accountability, and time-bound action must be ensured to achieve this objective.
Directing officials to expedite the progress of ongoing solid waste management projects at various locations, the Chief Secretary stressed the need to strengthen systems for waste segregation, collection, transportation, processing, and recycling. He also called for extensive awareness campaigns in educational and skill development institutions to promote good practices, public awareness, and environmentally responsible behaviour relating to solid and plastic waste management.
The Chief Secretary further directed the concerned officials to incorporate all necessary provisions into the proposed action plan and regulatory framework and submit it for Cabinet approval. This, he said, would help make solid and plastic waste management in the state more effective, accountable, and results-oriented.
Secretary Nitesh Jha, Ranveer Singh Chauhan, and officials from the departments concerned were present at the meeting.
