Map bulk waste generator: UT chief secy to civic body

Chandigarh: In the first meeting of the state-level committee constituted for effective implementation and monitoring of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, UT chief secretary H Rajesh Prasad has directed the municipal corporation, Chandigarh, to undertake, on priority, a comprehensive identification and mapping exercise of all bulk waste generators, gated communities and institutions to ensure effective enforcement and compliance with the provisions of the waste management rules.The committee also deliberated upon the revised definition and enhanced responsibilities of bulk waste generators under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.As per the revised provisions, any entity fulfilling certain laid down criteria shall now be classified as a bulk waste generator. These include, average water consumption of 40,000 liters or more per day; generation of 100 kg or more of solid waste per day; or occupancy of a built-up area exceeding 20,000 square meters. Earlier, the classification was restricted only to entities generating more than 100kg of solid waste per day.Further under the new rules, gated communities and large residential societies having an area exceeding 5,000 square meters have also been mandated to establish decentralized waste management systems and ensure strict compliance with source segregation and waste processing requirements.The committee directed all bulk waste generators to ensure that mandatory segregation and separate storage of waste at source, scientific processing of biodegradable waste through composting or bio-methanation, wherever feasible, proper channelization of recyclable waste through authorized collectors/recyclers, scientific management of waste generated during events, functions and commercial activities, maintenance of cleanliness in and around their premises, strict compliance with directions issued by the urban local bodies and pollution control authorities, and registration with the urban local body concerned through centralized online portal.The committee held detailed deliberations regarding implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, with special emphasis on source segregation, scientific processing of waste, reduction in waste generation, strengthening of waste collection systems and ensuring active participation of all stakeholders, including citizens, bulk waste generators, lead facilitators, resident welfare associations, gated communities and urban local bodies.During the meeting, the chief secretary emphasized that cleanliness and scientific waste management could not be achieved solely through govt efforts and require behavioural change and active public participation at every level. He appealed to all citizens to strictly comply with their duties under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, and adopt responsible waste management practices in daily life.The committee further deliberated upon the role of lead facilitators, namely councillors/mayors and their chairpersons, corporators or ward members, being the primary elected representatives of the people as recognized in the Supreme Court’s order dated Feb 19, 2026, for effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, at the ground level.The committee members also stated that violations such as littering, non-segregation of waste, open dumping and burning of garbage would attract penalties, environmental compensation and legal action under the applicable provisions of law.The chief secretary has appealed to all citizens, resident welfare associations, market associations, institutions, gated communities and bulk waste generators to actively participate in making Chandigarh cleaner, healthier and environmentally sustainable.