BANDIPORA: Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, today chaired a meeting to review and deliberate upon the implementation of Solid Waste Management under the Swachh Bharat Mission Abhiyan.
During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held on strengthening waste management mechanisms across the district in both urban and rural areas. It was observed that while rural areas face relatively loose infrastructure, urban areas comprise a higher concentration of households, requiring a more structured and intensive approach.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that the basic objective of solid waste management is environmental protection and sustainable development. She underlined that primary source segregation remains the core focus and must be ensured at the household level. The meeting discussed the complete cycle of waste management, including waste generation, transportation, and processing.
It was informed that a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) have been established in the district to facilitate scientific processing and disposal of waste. The policy framework and relevant legal provisions governing solid waste management were also discussed in detail. The roles and responsibilities of waste generators, Municipal Councils, and other stakeholders were also discussed, and it was noted that strict action shall be taken in cases of non-compliance.
The Deputy Commissioner further expressed that the administration intends to commence a comprehensive initiative from April, aimed at intensifying public participation in solid waste management. She directed all concerned departments to make necessary preparations in advance, including the formulation of structured action plans and awareness modules, so that the initiative is launched in a systematic and result-oriented manner across both urban and rural areas of the district.
The Deputy Commissioner directed strict enforcement of a complete ban on polythene bags and stressed the need to ensure the use of cloth bags as an environmentally responsible alternative.
The Deputy Commissioner called for coordinated efforts among all departments to ensure effective implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission in letter and spirit, reiterating the administration’s commitment to achieving sustainable waste management practices across the district.
The meeting was attended by Regional Director Kashmir, JKPCB; Assistant Commissioner Development Bandipora; Chief Planning Officer; Assistant Commissioner Panchayat Bandipora; Chief Executive Officer, Municipal Council Bandipora; Assistant Controller, Legal Metrology Bandipora; District Officer, Pollution Control Board Bandipora; EO MC Hajin and Sumbal; Representative of ULB Kashmir, besides other concerned officers.