Bhubaneswar: The first meeting of the State-level Committee on implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules-2026 was held today at the conference hall of Lok Seva Bhavan under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anu Garg.
The meeting, convened by Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), focused on effective implementation of the rules for environmental protection and creation of a clean and healthy environment. Various provisions of the rules, compliance with Supreme Court directions, departmental responsibilities and future course of action were discussed in detail.
Additional Chief Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department Usha Padhee, secretaries of concerned departments who are members of the committee and senior officers attended the meeting.
OSPCB Member Secretary Dr Manoj V Nayar made a presentation on various aspects of the rules.The meeting focused on solid waste collection and disposal, segregation at source, scientific processing, digital monitoring system and accountability of stakeholders. Status of waste management in urban and rural areas of the state was reviewed. Discussions were held on strengthening collection, segregation and scientific processing system in urban areas and ensuring safe disposal of remaining waste.
After discussing compliance of Supreme Court directions, District Collectors have been directed to ensure solid waste management system, integrated monitoring and compliance in their districts. Focus was laid on formation of special cells at district level, identification of suitable land for waste management, implementation of sanitary landfill and waste processing system, scientific treatment of old dumpsites and action against bulk waste generators for strict compliance.
Steps to make waste management more effective, including incorporation of solid waste management in school curriculum and creating awareness among students about environmental protection and cleanliness, were discussed. It was decided to launch a massive public awareness campaign with participation of local people, public representatives, industrial establishments, educational institutions and common citizens
.For successful implementation, close coordination and regular review among Housing and Urban Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Rural Development, School and Mass Education departments, district administration, OSPCB and other agencies was emphasized.
Chief Secretary Garg said creating a clean and healthy environment is collective responsibility of citizens, industrial establishments, educational institutions and all stakeholders and sought cooperation for compliance with the law. She directed all concerned departments and District Collectors to complete compliance-related works as per time frame set by OSPCB.
