Dehradun DM Cracks Down on Single-Use Plastic, Orders Action Against Supply Networks and Illegal Dumping
Authorities directed to identify unauthorised dumping sites and ensure immediate disposal of plastic waste
Production, storage and distribution networks to be monitored; negligence in waste management will invite accountability
Dehradun: Dehradun District Magistrate Dr Ashish Chauhan has directed officials to take strict action against the use of prohibited single-use plastic and the unauthorised dumping of plastic waste across the district.
During a review meeting held on Thursday, the DM stressed the strict implementation of Supreme Court and High Court orders. He said enforcement must not remain limited to periodic drives and called for action across the entire supply chain, including the production, storage, supply, distribution and use of prohibited plastic products.
Inspections of Industrial Units and Supply Networks
The District Magistrate directed State Tax Department officials to conduct on-site inspections of relevant industrial units. They were asked to submit an immediate and detailed report on the supply of raw materials used in plastic manufacturing, available stock, production capacity and distribution.
He also instructed officials to identify networks supplying prohibited single-use plastic to markets and take effective action against those involved to curb its availability and use.
Illegal Dumping Sites to Be Identified
All Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) have been directed to identify bulk waste generators and unauthorised waste dumping sites across the district without delay. Plastic waste accumulated at these locations must be collected and disposed of in accordance with applicable rules.
The Municipal Corporation and all urban local bodies have been instructed to make optimal use of available manpower and resources to strengthen waste collection, cleaning and disposal operations.
The DM made it clear that accountability would be fixed if negligence in plastic waste disposal was found despite the availability of adequate resources.
Review of Waste Compactor Machines
The District Magistrate sought a detailed report on the functioning of compactor machines provided at block and Nyaya Panchayat levels. Officials have been asked to report how many machines are operational and the quantity of plastic waste processed so far.
Following complaints from the Kalsi area about the difficulty and high cost of transporting waste to compactor machines, the DM directed punitive action against the team responsible for negligence in site selection.
He emphasised that waste management arrangements must account for local conditions and practical transportation requirements.
Public Awareness and Behavioural Change
The DM said that punitive action alone would not provide a permanent solution to the single-use plastic problem. Public awareness and behavioural change are equally important to reduce the harmful effects of plastic on the environment and human health.
Officials were directed to expand awareness activities and encourage the use of alternatives to single-use plastic.
Intensive Enforcement Across All 100 Dehradun Municipal Wards
Sector officers deployed across all 100 wards of the Dehradun Municipal Corporation have been instructed to intensify inspections and public awareness activities.
Each officer must identify unauthorised dumping sites in their respective wards and promptly report them. The Municipal Corporation will then organise special cleanliness drives to remove and dispose of the accumulated plastic waste.
The DM also directed officials to take effective action against those supplying prohibited single-use plastic. He warned that people found dumping waste at unauthorised locations or violating applicable waste management rules would face challans and other appropriate legal action.
Those present at the meeting included Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue) K.K. Mishra, SDMs Vinod Kumar and Aparna Dhaundiyal, Project Director Vikram Singh, State Tax Joint Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, Dr Anand, DPO Jitendra Kumar, District Economics and Statistics Officer S.K. Giri, ADPRO Sanjay Badoni, District Panchayat MMA Satish Tripathi, and officials from block development offices, the Municipal Corporation, municipal councils and nagar panchayats.
