In order to review the status of Solid Waste Management (SWM) and to create awareness about scientific disposal and segregation of waste at source, District Development Commissioner, Dr Piyush Singla, today convened a meeting with District Level Special Task Force.Threadbare discussion was held on various issues which included sanitation status in the city, awareness plan, alternative mechanism for disposal of soild waste and progress on alternative bags for polythene, law enforcement /Punitive action on use of polythene bags, land identification status for Ramnagar and Chenani Municipal Committees, minimize use of plastic, ban on polythene bags in the market, training sessions and door to door campaign.DDC asked the Pollution Control Board to inspect the Industrial units and ensure SOP are strictly adhered to by all the concerned.DDC asked the CEO MC and CAO to conduct training programmes for decomposition of organic waste through vermin compost. CEO MC was further asked to ensure 100% collection of waste and segregation at source and no sewerage, industrial and poisonous waste should be allowed to enter in to Holy Devika and other water bodies.
DDC informed the meeting that kill waste plant (disposal of waste through heat) will be established at Sui Chakhar for which tender process has been completed. He added that Udhampur district is the first district to use kill waste technology.He asked the CEO Municipal to keep a check on use of polythene in the town besides asked police to check the import of plastic from other districts and take punitive action. DDC informed that 5000 environment friendly bags with logo “My grocery bag” will be distributed in the town. It was informed that only plastic bags above 50 microns will be allowed in the district and asked MC Udhampur and Police department to take action against the defaulters. Beopar Mandal and MC Udhampur were asked to create awareness among all the shopkeepers and Rehariwalas regarding ban on plastic.Among others, GM DIC, Suram Chand Sharma, Chief Planning Officer, Rajeev Bhushan, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Vikar Giri, Auqaf Administrator, Er Sajad Bashir Somberia, other district officers of various departments besides representatives of Beopar Mandal and civil society members were present.