Create special cells to oversee SWM rules implementation: DC

Udupi: DC Swaroopa TK said special cells comprising officials from various departments should be established at the district level to oversee the implementation of solid waste management (SWM) rules. These committees should supervise the enforcement of SWM rules and take disciplinary action against those who fail to comply with waste disposal management.

She was speaking at a district-level special cell meeting regarding the implementation of the SWM Rules 2026, held at the DC’s office in Manipal, recently.

Urban and rural local bodies must properly manage solid waste within their jurisdiction by segregating, collecting, transporting, processing, and disposing of it scientifically, she instructed.

“Neglecting solid waste impacts not only the economy but also health. Only by keeping our environment clean can people maintain good health. Local bodies should ensure waste is segregated at the source into four categories: wet waste, dry waste, sanitary waste, and special care waste (such as bulbs, batteries, expired medicines, paint cans, etc.), and then collected, transported, processed, and disposed of scientifically,” the DC said.

To promote waste segregation at the source, and raise awareness among all waste producers, the heads of urban local bodies and elected representatives should be appointed as chief guides, and volunteers and organisations should participate in raising public awareness, she added.

The DC said that local bodies should identify and register large waste producers under the SWM rules within their jurisdiction. “Waste generated should be processed on-site. If processing facilities are unavailable, local bodies should collect segregated waste from producers, charge a prescribed fee, and issue a certificate. Local bodies should establish necessary arrangements to properly collect special care waste within their jurisdiction. A minimum of one collection centre should be set up for every 5 sqkm, and the collection time should be officially announced.

“The cleanliness of roads within the jurisdiction of urban local bodies should be regularly maintained, and black spots should be identified and cleared, with necessary preventive measures taken to ensure they do not recur. Fines should be imposed on the public if they litter indiscriminately. CCTV cameras should also be installed where necessary,” the DC added.