Budgam: Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur on Thursday said every bulk waste generator must take responsibility for processing and managing the waste generated by them, stressing that municipalities alone cannot be expected to handle waste produced by all establishments.
She was speaking at the first-ever convention of Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs) organised by the district administration Budgam to sensitise business establishments, institutions and other large waste generators about their responsibilities under the Solid Waste Management Rules.
Addressing the gathering, Kaur said waste generators should adopt appropriate mechanisms such as on-site processing, home or institutional composting, or engage authorised waste collection agencies for scientific disposal of waste.
“The practice of dumping waste outside commercial establishments after markets close has to change. Every waste generator must take responsibility for its own waste,” she said.
The Commissioner Secretary said similar conventions would be organised across all districts to strengthen awareness and implementation of waste management regulations in urban and rural areas. She added that committees constituted under Supreme Court directions, along with responsibilities assigned to Deputy Commissioners, would help ensure effective enforcement of the rules.
Highlighting the importance of public participation, Kaur urged welfare associations, business bodies and institutions to establish effective waste management systems and contribute towards the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
She also encouraged local youth to explore opportunities as “Swachhta entrepreneurs” by creating enterprises in waste management and sanitation services.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Athar Aamir stressed the need for institutional accountability and community participation in environmental protection and implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Managing Director, Swachh Bharat Mission J&K, Dr Devansh Yadav, briefed participants on the Solid Waste Management Rules, Supreme Court guidelines and responsibilities of bulk waste generators, including waste processing and disposal requirements.
Director, Urban Local Bodies Kashmir, Dr Fayaz Ahmad Banday, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the role of citizens in protecting Jammu and Kashmir’s fragile environment.
The convention featured technical sessions on registration through the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) portal, waste-to-wealth opportunities, engagement of waste entrepreneurs and private vendors, besides an interactive question-and-answer session.
The Commissioner Secretary also administered the Swachhta Pledge to participants.
The event was attended by district officers, representatives of the hotel and service sectors, educational institutions, restaurant owners, traders and other stakeholders.
