Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg, a 1991-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, has directed all concerned departments and district collectors to complete compliance-related tasks within the timelines prescribed by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) for implementing the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.
The directions were issued during the first meeting of the state-level committee constituted to oversee the implementation of the rules. The meeting, convened by the OSPCB at Lok Seva Bhavan on Wednesday, reviewed waste management practices across urban and rural areas and discussed measures to strengthen collection, segregation, processing and disposal systems.
Garg emphasised that creating a clean and healthy environment requires coordinated efforts from government departments, citizens, educational institutions, industries and other stakeholders.
District Collectors Asked to Strengthen Waste Management Systems
The committee discussed the responsibilities of different departments, compliance with Supreme Court directions and the steps required to implement the new rules.
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District collectors were directed to strengthen waste management arrangements in their respective districts and ensure effective monitoring of compliance.
Key measures discussed during the meeting included:
- District-level monitoring: Establishing dedicated cells to oversee waste management and track compliance.
- Waste processing infrastructure: Identifying suitable land for waste processing facilities and sanitary landfills.
- Legacy waste treatment: Ensuring scientific treatment of accumulated waste at old dumping sites.
- Bulk waste generators: Strengthening monitoring and ensuring compliance with the prescribed waste management requirements.
- Integrated monitoring: Improving coordination among departments and agencies responsible for implementation.
The committee stressed the need for regular reviews and coordinated action to ensure that waste management responsibilities are fulfilled within the prescribed timelines.
Scientific Processing and Waste Segregation in Focus
The meeting reviewed the status of solid waste management across Odisha and discussed ways to improve waste collection, segregation at source and scientific processing.
Officials also examined the need to strengthen waste management systems in urban areas and ensure the safe disposal of residual waste.
Digital monitoring mechanisms and clear accountability for stakeholders featured among the key issues discussed.
The proceedings also covered various provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, and the state’s compliance with relevant Supreme Court directions.
Waste Management to Be Promoted in Schools
The committee discussed incorporating solid waste management into the school curriculum to familiarise students with environmental protection and responsible waste disposal.
It also decided to launch a large-scale public awareness campaign involving local communities, public representatives, industries, educational institutions and citizens.
The campaign will focus on encouraging public participation in waste management and promoting awareness of cleanliness and environmental protection.
Departments to Coordinate on Implementation
The meeting highlighted the need for coordination among the Housing and Urban Development Department, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, Rural Development Department, School and Mass Education Department, district administrations and the OSPCB.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department Usha Padhee (IAS: 1996: OD), secretaries of the concerned departments and other senior officials attended the meeting.
OSPCB Member Secretary Dr. Manoj V. Nair made a presentation on the provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.
The committee’s directions place responsibility on departments and district administrations to complete the required compliance-related work within the timelines set by the pollution control board.
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