Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Kumar Abhishek along with MD SBM, Dr. Devansh Yadav, today chaired a review meeting to assess the implementation of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, and the directions issued by the Supreme Court regarding scientific waste management and environmental protection.
The meeting was attended by senior officers of the district administration, Urban Local Bodies, line departments, and stakeholders associated with sanitation and waste management. The Team Leader, Mission Directorate, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), Jammu & Kashmir, delivered a detailed presentation highlighting the key provisions of the SWM Rules, 2026, and the responsibilities assigned to Urban Local Bodies, the district administration, and other stakeholders.
During the presentation, emphasis was laid on the transition towards a circular economy approach, mandatory four-stream segregation of waste at source comprising wet, dry, sanitary, and special care waste, strengthening of door-to-door collection systems, decentralized waste processing, scientific landfill management, and remediation of legacy waste dump sites.
The meeting reviewed the timelines prescribed under the new rules, including the preparation of solid waste action plans, establishment of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), identification of sanitary landfill sites, creation of grievance redressal mechanisms, and strengthening of digital monitoring systems for waste collection and transportation.
The directions of the Supreme Court regarding the constitution of Special Cells at the district level, regular monitoring of waste management activities, fortnightly and monthly reporting mechanisms, and enforcement measures against violators were also discussed in detail. Special focus was laid on improving waste management systems in key tourist destinations of the district under the Clean Himalayan Hill Cities Initiative.
The proposed action plan for Katra was reviewed, including the development of biomethanation facilities, establishment of Reduce-Reuse-Recycle (RRR) Centres, installation of smart toilets and reverse vending machines, creation of composting infrastructure, and implementation of awareness campaigns and community participation initiatives aimed at achieving zero-waste tourism destinations.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the active involvement of elected representatives in achieving the objectives of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. He also stressed the deployment of GPS-based tracking systems for waste collection and transportation vehicles, mapping of Points of Interest (PoIs), and establishment of digital monitoring systems to ensure real-time supervision, route optimization, and accountability in solid waste management operations.
He directed all concerned agencies to accelerate waste processing and remediation activities and achieve tangible progress. He further stressed the need for scientific processing of accumulated waste and time-bound remediation of dumping sites in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.
MD SBM laid special emphasis on the registration of Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs) in Katra and directed the Municipal Committee Katra to ensure registration of all eligible establishments, including hotels, guest houses, restaurants, institutions, commercial establishments, and large residential complexes.
He stated that the implementation of various waste management initiatives should be linked with Mission YUVA and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to create sustainable employment opportunities for local youth and women. ADDC Krishan Lal, CPO Narinder Kumar, DFO, CMO, XEN Jal Shakti and other concerned officers were present during the meeting. Executive Officer Municipal Committee Katra/Reasi, joined the meeting virtually.