J&K Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) today organised one day sensitization workshop for Urban local bodies regarding Single Use Plastics (SUPs) and implementation of Municipal Solid Waste Rules, 2016.The objective of the workshop was to sensitize ULBs regarding the current scenario of waste management in Jammu and Kashmir including SUPs besides providing a platform for discussion among the regulators and implementing agencies about implementation of respective guidelines and NGT directions.Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment, Sanjeev Verma, inaugurated the workshop while Chairperson, JKPCC, Neelu Gera was the guest of honour.Sanjeev Verma appreciated the efforts of JKPCC for organizing such type of sensitization workshops. He impressed upon the local bodies to ensure timely compliance to relevant rules, guidelines and NGT directions in matters pertaining to ban on SUPs and implementation of MSW rules. He asked for working out an effective strategy for implementation of notification issued by the Government of India for ensuring ban on SUPs from 1st July.
He further informed briefed that disposable cups, bowls, plates, tumblers, spoons, foks and knives have already been banned in J&K as per SRO 231 with effect from 26th of March, 2019.Dr. Neelu Gera stressed upon using environment friendly products to reduce waste generation. "Leaf plates and other plant based products should be promoted to discourage use of disposables/polythene carry bags which are the major contributors in pollution. She added that SUP products may epitomize convenience but with the damage they cause through production, distribution and litter, they are a major threat to environmental and human health and most persistent of marine litter, accounting for at least 85 per cent of all marine waste.She asked for a collaborative approach towards enforcement of mitigation measures by all ULBs in letter and spirit.Regional Director, JKPCC, Sat Paul, briefed about the objective of the sensitization workshop.K Ramesh Kumar, Member Secretary, JKPCC, informed the gathering that plastics constitute 5- 7 % of total MSW generated in J&K.Jivanand Sharma, EE, JKPCC made a detailed presentation regarding overview of latest guidelines for implementation of MSW followed by brief description of latest guidelines regarding Single Use Plastics by Randeep Singh Manhas, Scientist, JKPCC.
He also shared the actions taken by JKPCC to ensure complete ban on SUPs.Dr. Nasi Vishard from DROSS Management Systems and energy solutions private limited shared an innovative waste processing technology operating without heating/incineration that can process wet as well as dry waste without affecting the environment.Hardeep Singh Mankotia, Chairman, SWM, standing committee, JMC, briefed about various steps being taken up by JMC to create awareness among citizens regarding waste segregation in a phased manner. He assured that JMC shall be able to ensure segregated waste collection in coming days so that dry waste can be recycled efficiently. He also briefed about the ongoing cloth bag promoting campaign organized by JMC, encouraging collection of plastics by consumers.Atul Kumar Gupta, Secretary, JMC, appreciated the efforts of JKPCC towards sensitizing the implementing agencies from time to time. He informed about the upcoming solid waste processing facility for Jammu city at Kot Bhalwal. He also explained about the Material Recovery Facilities set up by JMC to ensure zone wise waste collection and segregation through decentralized Waste Management.Akhil Bihari Das, CEO, Cantonment Board, Jammu briefed about the role being played by the cantonment board to create sensitization in cantonment area for waste segregation and constraints being faced by the Board to dispose of waste in scientific manner.Sanna Khan, Deputy Director, ULB, Jammu, apprised that such facilities shall be replicated in all other local bodies before 31st December, which shall cater to efficient collection and segregation of dry waste including plastic waste.