Sonamarg, Feb 26 (KNO): The Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) has intensified enforcement of the Solid Waste Management Rules in strict compliance with the directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), warning of strict action against violators.
Under the directions of Chief Executive Officer Bilal Mukhtar, the Authority has ordered mandatory four-stream segregation of waste at source, including wet waste, dry waste, domestic hazardous waste and sanitary waste. All waste generators have been directed to install separate covered and labelled bins within their premises, strictly as per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Mixing of waste has been strictly prohibited.
As per the circular accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), dumping of garbage on roadsides, drains, open land, forest areas, riverbanks and water bodies has been banned. Open burning of solid or plastic waste has also been strictly prohibited and will invite penal action.
All establishments, including hotels, guest houses, restaurants, shopkeepers, pony operators, tent operators and tour operators, have been directed to hand over only segregated waste to the authorised agency, as per the order.
It says that the collected waste must be transported strictly to the Solid Waste Management Plant at Sarbal as notified by the SDA. "Disposal at any unauthorised site has been declared illegal, while daily lifting and transportation of waste to the designated plant has been made mandatory," it adds.
The order further prohibits the use, stocking and distribution of banned single-use plastic items. Stakeholders have been directed to ensure proper channelisation of plastic waste to authorised recyclers in accordance with Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Line departments have been asked to ensure safe transportation and scientific processing of waste at the Sarbal plant as per approved standards, with continuous monitoring and enforcement drives to be carried out.
As per the circular, any negligence, violation or deviation will attract strict action under the Solid Waste Management Rules and the Environment Protection Act, including environmental compensation, spot penalties, sealing of premises, cancellation of registration and initiation of legal proceedings without prior notice.
The SDA has appealed to all stakeholders and visitors to cooperate in maintaining cleanliness and protecting the fragile ecosystem of Sonamarg, reiterating that the directions have come into force with immediate effect—(KNO)