Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday asserted that environmental protection cannot be ensured unless waste is disposed of scientifically, warning that garbage or waste cannot be dumped indiscriminately and that violators may face fines or legal action under existing laws.
The Chief Minister said building a clean India is possible only when every state remains clean and urged all sections of society to work collectively towards creating a beautiful, healthy, and clean Tripura. Saha made these remarks while addressing a one-day statewide workshop on waste management held at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala.
Speaking at the event, he said the Constitution and the law guarantee the right to life, which also includes the right to live in a clean and healthy environment. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the voice of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and emphasis had been given to scientific management of a clean environment and safe sanitation.
He stressed that every person has a constitutional duty in this regard, pointing out that garbage dumped everywhere, drains choked, and environmental pollution pose a dangerous threat to public health. He added that public support was essential for success and urged cooperation from all sections of society.
The Chief Minister underlined that families, institutions, and citizens should be involved in proper waste management practices, turning it into a public movement. He said municipal representatives must also raise awareness in their respective areas. Saha reiterated that environmental protection requires responsible waste disposal and warned that District Magistrates would monitor the matter.
He said they had the authority under the law to impose fines or take legal action, including disconnecting electricity and water connections of violators. He reminded municipal representatives that they serve as a crucial bridge between the government and the people and, therefore, carry significant responsibility in promoting cleanliness and proper waste management.
The Chief Minister said the state government was committed to building a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment. He emphasised that it was possible to build a clean India only if every state was clean, adding that Tripura was working towards clean cities and municipalities.
He stressed that the prescribed user charge for garbage collection from homes was mandatory and noted that many people were reluctant to pay it. He also mentioned the state government’s app ‘Amar Sarkar’, which had been appreciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation and MLA Dipak Majumdar, Deputy Mayor Monika Das Dutta, Urban Development Department Secretary Milind Ramteke, Municipal Commissioner Saju Wahid A, Urban Development Department Special Secretary and Director Tamal Majumdar, along with other public representatives and senior officials of the Municipal Corporation, were present at the workshop.