Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Minga Sherpa today chaired a meeting of officers concerned to deliberate on implementation modalities of the Clean Himalayan Hill City Initiative under the Solid Waste Management programme for sustainable development of Patnitop Hill Station. The Deputy Commissioner said the initiative is a focussed programme aimed at strengthening sanitation, scientific solid waste management and environmental sustainability in Himalayan hill towns.
Reviewing the action plan, the DC directed Chief Executive Officer, Patnitop Development Authority (CEO, PDA) to identify suitable locations for installation of smart public toilets, initiate procurement of required equipment and infrastructure, identify appropriate sites for installation of public dustbins and ensure operationalisation of the Solid Waste Management plant.
The DC directed departments concerned to organise stakeholder consultations and awareness programmes to promote waste minimisation, source segregation and responsible waste disposal and stressed the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to preserve Patnitop's pristine environment and develop it as a sustainable tourist destination.