KATHUA, JULY 16: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma on Thursday chaired a meeting to review implementation of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules across urban and rural areas of the district.
The meeting, as per an official statement, discussed aspects of scientific waste management, including source segregation, collection, processing and disposal of solid waste. The Deputy Commissioner called for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to implement the SWM Rules and directed the departments concerned to intensify public awareness campaigns on responsible waste management.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the officers concerned to ensure strict enforcement against unauthorised disposal of waste and take action against defaulters violating the prescribed norms. He also directed timely submission of progress reports for monitoring implementation.
The status of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in the district was also reviewed. It was informed that there are three operational MRFs, in Kathua, Parole and Billawar. The Deputy Commissioner called for strengthening the facilities and ensuring their optimum utilisation.
The meeting also reviewed compliance by Bulk Waste Generators. Four industrial estates have been identified under this category. The Deputy Commissioner directed the agencies concerned to ensure strict adherence to waste management regulations by these establishments.
The Deputy Commissioner called for regular training and orientation programmes for field functionaries and stakeholders to strengthen implementation of the SWM Rules at the grassroots level.
District Panchayat Officer Kathua Ajeet Kumar informed the meeting that tendering for door-to-door waste collection services would commence shortly, to streamline collection and improve sanitation management across the district.
