BOMDILA : A meeting-cum-sensitisation programme on the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026 was held at Kameng Club here on Thursday under the chairmanship of West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar.
Organised by the Special Cell Committee for the implementation of the SWM Rules, 2026, the programme focused on strengthening awareness and grassroots implementation of the new waste management framework.
Addressing the gathering, the DC observed that waste management was once regarded as an urban concern but has increasingly become a challenge in rural areas due to improved road connectivity, changing lifestyles and the growing influx of tourists. He said the SWM Rules, 2026, introduced with stringent provisions and judicial oversight, are aimed at tackling the rising problem of waste pollution.
Emphasising the role of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) leaders, Dr Kumar urged them to sensitise their respective villages and communities on scientific waste management practices, stating that effective waste management requires active public participation. He cautioned that violations of the new rules would invite strict action.
The DC informed that Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) have been proposed for 33 villages in the district under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) 2.0 and urged Panchayat leaders to establish at least one MRF in every village. Referring to the district-wide ban on single-use plastics and plastic water bottles below two litres, he appealed to businesses, residents and other stakeholders to adopt environmentally responsible practices and support the administration’s cleanliness drive.
District Panchayat Development Officer Ashok Tajo explained the provisions and objectives of the SWM Rules, 2026, and stressed the need for awareness at the grassroots level. He urged PRI leaders to discourage open dumping, promote the use of four-colour waste segregation bins and ensure that waste management components are incorporated into both the Zilla Panchayat Development Plan (ZPDP) and Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) by the coming Monday.
Founder of the Northeast Waste Collective Ittisha shared the organisation’s experience in implementing waste management initiatives in West Kameng since 2020. She highlighted best practices, emphasised community participation and pointed to the challenges of transporting recyclable waste to collection centres and buyers. She appealed to the district administration for continued support and cautioned against certain alternatives to plastic carry bags, noting that some could be more environmentally harmful than conventional plastics.
West Kameng Superintendent of Police Dorjee Wangdi Thongon lauded the efforts of the Northeast Waste Collective and advocated expanding similar initiatives across the district. Referring to the increase in tourist footfall, he also highlighted its impact on waste generation and environmental pollution.
Thongon encouraged citizens to make use of digital public service platforms, including Yodha Bandhu, which supports youth facing substance abuse and emotional distress; Choo-Man-Tar, an interactive application that educates children about good touch and bad touch; and Tele-MANAS, the Government of India’s 24×7 tele-mental health service. He also appealed to the public to assist the police in combating drug abuse by acting as vigilant members of the community.
Representatives of the District Urban Development Agency, the Rural Development Department and Zilla Parishad Members also addressed the programme.
The meeting was attended by administrative officers, heads of departments, PRI leaders, representatives of gompas, members of the business community and other stakeholders. (DIPR)
