THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 21, 2026

Creating a clean and healthy environment was the collective responsibility of citizens, industrial establishments, educational institutions and all stakeholders, Chief Secretary Anu Garg said on Wednesday, urging their cooperation for effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules-2026.

Chairing the first meeting of the State-level Committee on implementation of the rules at Lok Seva Bhavan here, Garg directed all concerned departments and District Collectors to complete compliance-related works within the time frame prescribed by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB).

The meeting, convened by the OSPCB, reviewed measures to ensure effective implementation of the rules, environmental protection and the creation of a cleaner and healthier environment across the state. The discussions covered various provisions of the rules, compliance with Supreme Court directions, departmental responsibilities and the future course of action.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department Usha Padhee, secretaries of concerned departments who are members of the committee and senior officials attended the meeting.

OSPCB Member Secretary Dr Manoj V Nayar made a presentation on the key provisions of the rules, highlighting solid waste collection and disposal, segregation at source, scientific processing, digital monitoring and accountability of stakeholders.

The committee reviewed the status of waste management in urban and rural areas and discussed ways to strengthen collection, segregation and scientific processing in urban centres, besides ensuring the safe disposal of residual waste.

Emphasising compliance with Supreme Court directions, the meeting directed District Collectors to ensure effective solid waste management systems, integrated monitoring mechanisms and adherence to the prescribed norms in their respective districts.

The discussions also focused on setting up special cells at the district level, identifying suitable land for waste management facilities, establishing sanitary landfills and waste-processing systems, and ensuring the scientific treatment of legacy dumpsites.

The committee further stressed the need for strict action against bulk waste generators who fail to comply with the prescribed rules.

As part of efforts to strengthen waste management practices, the meeting discussed incorporating solid waste management into the school curriculum and sensitising students to environmental protection and cleanliness.

It was also decided to launch a massive public awareness campaign involving local communities, public representatives, industrial establishments, educational institutions and citizens to promote responsible waste disposal and encourage public participation in maintaining cleanliness.

The meeting underscored the need for close coordination and regular reviews among the Housing and Urban Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Rural Development, and School and Mass Education departments, along with district administrations, the OSPCB and other implementing agencies.