FIR Against Those Dumping Waste in Rivers, DM Orders Immediate Identification of Unauthorized Dumping Sites
Strict action directed for negligence in solid waste management; monitoring of bulk waste generators and septic tankers also ordered
Dehradun: Dehradun District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan has issued strict directions to all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and officials of municipal corporations, municipalities and nagar panchayats to strengthen solid waste management in urban areas.
The District Magistrate directed officials to ensure strict compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court related to solid waste management. He made it clear that negligence in waste disposal and management would not be tolerated and that accountability would be fixed wherever lapses are found.
During a review meeting held on Saturday, the DM instructed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to conduct regular inspections of dumping yards and waste disposal sites in their respective areas. He said that unauthorized dumping of garbage at any location within urban areas must be prevented.
The DM directed officials to immediately identify unauthorized dumping sites and fix responsibility on the agency engaged in waste management in the concerned area. Strict action should be taken if negligence is found.
FIR to Be Registered for Dumping Waste in Rivers
Expressing serious concern over incidents of garbage being dumped in rivers or along riverbanks, Dr. Chauhan directed officials to strengthen surveillance and monitoring mechanisms.
He specifically instructed that FIRs should be registered against people caught dumping garbage into rivers, as per applicable law.
Officials were also directed to identify vulnerable locations where waste dumping into rivers is likely to occur. At such locations, protective grills or other suitable measures should be installed wherever required to strengthen security, prevention and monitoring.
Regular Monitoring of Septic Tankers
The District Magistrate also directed authorities to regularly monitor septic tankers and ensure that the waste collected by them is properly treated through designated Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) before final disposal.
He emphasized that unauthorized disposal of sewage or septic waste must be prevented and that violations should invite appropriate action.
Bulk Waste Generators to Be Identified
The DM directed urban local bodies to identify Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs) operating in urban areas and ensure proper segregation of waste at source.
Wet and dry waste must be segregated and disposed of in accordance with prescribed rules and standards. Municipal officials were instructed to regularly monitor waste management arrangements and ensure compliance with established norms.
Cell Formed for Compliance with Supreme Court Directions
During the meeting, SDM Aparna Dhaundiyal informed the officials that a dedicated cell has been constituted for compliance with Supreme Court directions and effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules.
She said copies of the court directions have been provided to elected representatives and councillors of municipal corporations, municipalities, nagar panchayats, zila panchayat and cantonment boards.
She further informed that the process of identifying bulk waste generators in urban areas is underway. All urban local bodies have been instructed to conduct joint inspections of dumping sites along with regional officials of the Pollution Control Board and other concerned members.
Officials have also been directed to regularly upload photographic evidence of waste management activities on the designated portal every month.
Information regarding inspections and waste disposal arrangements at various dumping sites was also presented during the meeting.
Additional District Magistrate (Finance & Revenue) KK Mishra, SDM Aparna Dhaundiyal and officials from all SDM offices, municipal corporations, municipalities and nagar panchayats attended the meeting virtually.
