District Coordination Meeting Held to Strengthen Solid Waste Management in Pakyong
Pakyong, August 25 (IPR): A coordination meeting on compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, was chaired by District Collector, Pakyong, Ms Pari Bishnoi, in the presence of ADC, Pakyong, Mr Pulkit, at the Conference Hall of the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Pakyong, today.
The meeting aimed to review the implementation of waste management measures across the district, strengthen coordination among departments, and develop a practical framework for effective and sustainable waste management in urban and rural areas.
"A Shared Responsibility Across All Departments"
Addressing the meeting, DC Pakyong stressed that effective waste management is a shared responsibility across all departments. She directed the preparation of an area-wise inspection involving concerned officers and line departments to undertake field verification of existing waste management practices and identify visible problem areas requiring intervention.
District Collector called for practical and innovative approaches to waste management and encouraged departments to explore feasible solutions for the productive utilisation and recycling of waste, particularly plastic waste. Furthermore, she directed all concerned departments to maintain regular monitoring and ensure compliance with prescribed waste management practices.
ADC Pakyong, Mr Pulkit, briefed the participants on the responsibilities of various departments in connection with the proposed inspections and called for coordinated efforts in carrying out the assigned responsibilities. He stated that effective waste management could also contribute to improved disaster preparedness and management, and urged all concerned departments to work collectively towards sustainable waste management practices in the district.
Identifying Bulk Waste Generators
The meeting further discussed the identification and monitoring of Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs), including commercial establishments and other premises generating substantial quantities of waste. The criteria discussed for classification included buildings with a floor area of 20,000 square metres or above, water consumption of 40,000 litres per day or more, or solid waste generation of 100 kilograms per day or above. Concerned departments were directed to identify establishments meeting these criteria during field inspections and assess the waste management systems in place.
Waste Management at Tourist Destinations
The meeting also reviewed waste management arrangements at tourist destinations. Concerned officials were directed to assess the existing arrangements at such locations and identify gaps requiring attention. The need for appropriate signage and measures to promote responsible waste disposal and public participation was also discussed.
Collection, Segregation and Material Recovery Centres
Issues relating to waste collection and disposal, availability and utilisation of collection vehicles, disposal practices, and other commercial establishments were also discussed. The meeting also reviewed the need for proper segregation and handling of different categories of waste, along with measures to facilitate greater public participation in responsible waste management.
The functioning and requirements of Material Recovery Centres (MRCs) in Pakyong District were reviewed, with emphasis on ensuring their effective utilisation and strengthening waste processing and resource recovery mechanisms.
The meeting was attended by officials ADC (HQ), Pakyong, Mr Sabindra Rai; ADC (Dev), Pakyong, Mr Sangay Gyasto Bhutia; SDM, Pakyong, Mr NK Bhandari; SDM Rongli, Mr Suren Kumar Pradhan; MEO, Rangpo & Pakyong; BDOs; along with officers from Water Resources Department; PHED, Pakyong; RDD; Forest Department, and LR&DMD.