Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Anu Garg directed the concerned departments and district administrations to strengthen solid waste management (SWM) through scientific processing, strict enforcement of rules and greater public participation.
Chairing the first meeting of the state-level committee constituted for the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules-2026 at Lok Seva Bhawan here, Garg stressed accountability among stakeholders and coordinated efforts to ensure a clean and healthy environment.
To promote long-term behavioural change, the meeting discussed incorporating solid waste management into school curricula and sensitising students about cleanliness and environmental protection. The meeting reviewed the status of solid waste management in urban and rural areas and discussed the implementation of various provisions of the rules, compliance with Supreme Court directions, departmental responsibilities and the future course of action.
Convened by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), the meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, along with secretaries and senior officials of the concerned departments.
OSPCB Member Secretary Manoj V Nayar made a presentation on various aspects of the new rules, highlighting waste collection and segregation, scientific processing, safe disposal, digital monitoring and accountability of stakeholders. District Collectors were directed to ensure effective implementation and integrated monitoring of solid waste management systems in their respective jurisdictions. The meeting also emphasised the formation of dedicated cells at district headquarters to oversee implementation and compliance.
The committee called for identifying suitable land for waste processing and disposal facilities, establishing sanitary landfills and processing systems, and scientifically treating legacy waste at old dumpsites. It also stressed strict enforcement of the rules, including legal action against bulk waste generators found violating the prescribed norms.
A mass awareness campaign will be undertaken with the participation of local communities, public representatives, industries, educational institutions and citizens to encourage responsible waste disposal and segregation at source.
Garg said maintaining a clean and healthy environment was a collective responsibility of citizens, industries, educational institutions and all other stakeholders. She called for cooperation from all quarters and directed the departments concerned and District Collectors to complete compliance-related work within the timelines prescribed by the OSPCB.
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