CHANDIGARH, 20.05.26-The first meeting of the State Level Committee constituted for effective implementation and monitoring of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 was held under the chairmanship of Sh. H Rajesh Prasad, Chief Secretary, Chandigarh Administration.

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.

The Committee reviewed the action taken by various stakeholders on the directions issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in C.A. No. 6174/2023 vide orders dated 19.02.2026, 29.04.2026 and 05.05.2026. The Chief Secretary directed all stakeholders to strictly comply with the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in letter and spirit and ensure compliance within the stipulated timeframe.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasized that cleanliness and scientific waste management cannot be achieved solely through Government 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.

Citizens have been urged to:

* Segregate waste at source into wet waste, dry waste, sanitary waste and special care waste.
* Hand over segregated waste only to authorized waste collectors/designated agencies.
* Refrain from littering and disposal of waste on roadsides, drains, parks, vacant plots and water bodies.
* Avoid open burning of leaves, plastic and other waste materials.
* Minimize waste generation through reuse, recycling and reduction in use of single-use plastics.
* Promote composting of biodegradable waste at household or community level wherever feasible.
* Cooperate with sanitation workers and Urban Local Bodies in maintaining cleanliness and environmental hygiene.

The Committee stressed that segregation of waste at source is the most critical step for effective recycling and scientific disposal of waste and every household must participate sincerely in this process.

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 any one of the following criteria shall now be classified as a Bulk Waste Generator:

* Average water consumption of 40,000 litres or more per day;
* Generation of 100 kilograms or more of solid waste per day; or
* Occupancy of a built-up area exceeding 20,000 square metres.

Earlier, the classification was restricted only to entities generating more than 100 kilograms of solid waste per day.

Further, under the new Rules, gated communities and large residential societies having an area exceeding 5,000 square metres 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:

* 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 Urban Local Bodies and Pollution Control Authorities.
* Registration with the concerned Urban Local Body through the centralized online portal.

The Chief Secretary further 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 Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.

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 Hon’ble Supreme Court’s order dated 19.02.2026, for effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 at the ground level.

It was emphasized that it is their statutory responsibility to ensure active participation of every citizen within their respective wards in implementation of the new Rules. The Lead Facilitators shall coordinate with Resident Welfare Associations, market associations, institutions, waste generators and Urban Local Bodies to ensure effective source segregation, public awareness generation, grievance redressal and monitoring of compliance with waste management practices.

They shall also promote community participation and bring implementation gaps and field-level issues to the notice of the concerned authorities for timely corrective action.

The Committee also reviewed the responsibilities of Urban Local Bodies regarding scientific solid waste management and enforcement of the Rules. Under the new Rules, Urban Local Bodies shall:

* Ensure 100% door-to-door collection of segregated waste.
* Establish and strengthen waste processing, material recovery and disposal facilities.
* Prevent open dumping, littering and burning of waste.
* Ensure regular sweeping and sanitation of public areas.
* Undertake intensive public awareness and IEC campaigns.
* Enforce user charges, spot fines and environmental compensation against violations.
* Ensure scientific management of legacy waste and remediation of dumpsites.
* Facilitate integration and welfare of sanitation workers and waste pickers.
* Monitor compliance by Bulk Waste Generators, gated communities and commercial establishments.

The Committee also emphasized the role of the Deputy Commissioner/District Administration in ensuring inter-departmental coordination and effective enforcement of the Rules. Under the new Rules, the Deputy Commissioner shall:

* Conduct regular review meetings with all stakeholders.
* Monitor compliance of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 at the field level.
* Coordinate with Urban Local Bodies, Pollution Control Authorities and other departments for timely implementation of directions.
* Ensure removal of unauthorized dumping sites and prevention of open burning.
* Facilitate public grievance redressal related to waste management.
* Undertake enforcement drives and initiate action against violators wherever required.
* Supervise awareness activities and ensure participation of institutions, market associations and Resident Welfare Associations.

The Municipal Corporation was directed to intensify awareness campaigns, strengthen waste collection and processing infrastructure and ensure strict enforcement of the provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.

The Committee cautioned that violations such as littering, non-segregation of waste, open dumping and burning of garbage may attract penalties, environmental compensation and legal action under the applicable provisions of law.

The Chief Secretary 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.

The Chandigarh Administration reiterated its commitment towards effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 and called upon every citizen to treat cleanliness and proper waste management as a shared civic responsibility.

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