Experts deliberate on scientific waste management, public participation and circular economy

Over 250 participants participated, emphasizing accountability of bulk waste generators and the goal of a zero-waste state.

Raipur, Chhattisgarh: The Regional Office of the Environment Protection Board, Raipur, organized a one-day state-level workshop at the New Circuit House, Civil Lines, Raipur, to effectively implement the Solid Waste Management Rules 2026. The workshop discussed in detail the various provisions of the rules, including scientific management of solid waste, source segregation, collection, processing, and environmentally friendly disposal.

Municipal Commissioner Mr. Sambit Mishra, the chief guest of the program, said that scientific management of solid waste is essential for building clean and healthy cities. He emphasized the active participation of citizens, local bodies, and institutions in waste segregation, recycling, and scientific management, calling for this to become a mass movement.

Regional Officer Mr. P.K. Rabde provided detailed information on the provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, the responsibilities of various departments, and their effective implementation. He stated that the rules notified by the Government of India are not merely legal provisions, but important steps towards a circular economy, aimed at promoting environmental protection by using waste as a resource. He explained that under the new rules, bulk waste generators will be responsible for the scientific management of their generated waste. He noted that Chhattisgarh has developed a successful model of door-to-door waste collection through Swachhata Didi (cleanliness sisters). Furthermore, cement plants in Balodabazar-Bhatapara district are setting a successful example of scientific waste disposal and the use of alternative energy by using Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) produced from municipal solid waste as fuel.

He said that Chhattisgarh Environment Protection Board is committed to providing technical guidance to all stakeholders for the effective implementation of Rules-2026 and through collective efforts, work is being done towards making entire Chhattisgarh including Raipur a zero waste state.

In the workshop, State Advisor Mrs. Monica Singh and Mr. Purushottam Panda (Swachh Bharat Mission), Executive Engineer Mr. Yogesh Kumar Kadu, Chief Chemist Mrs. Neelima Sonkar and Assistant Engineer Mr. Praveen Kumar Nag gave detailed information about Solid Waste Management Rules-2026, scientific waste management, source level segregation, processing and practical implementation through PowerPoint presentation.

About 250 participants including representatives of urban and rural bodies, industry representatives, bulk waste generators, eco club coordinators, Swachh Bharat Mission officials and officers and employees of Chhattisgarh Environment Protection Board participated in the program.

The objective of the workshop was to create widespread awareness about the Solid Waste Management Rules-2026, establish coordination between various departments and institutions and promote scientific and effective waste management for environmental protection.