The Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board held a press conference in Shimla on September 23 as part of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. The rules came into force on April 1, 2026, replacing the 2016 framework and covering urban, rural, commercial, institutional and government establishments.

Sushil Kumar Singla, Secretary-cum-Member Secretary of the board, said the rules require waste to be segregated at source into four streams. Wet waste covers biodegradable kitchen, food and organic waste, while dry waste includes recyclable paper, cardboard, plastics, glass and metals. Sanitary waste must be securely wrapped before being handed over, while special care waste includes items such as bulbs, expired medicines, paint cans, syringes, mercury thermometers and batteries.

The board said the Supreme Court is monitoring implementation under its August 18, 2026 order in Civil Appeal No. 6174 of 2023. Burning, burying, dumping or littering waste in drains, water bodies and public spaces is prohibited, while individuals, institutions, schools, commercial establishments and government departments are required to segregate waste and ensure its safe processing and disposal.

Deputy Commissioners, working with local bodies, have been directed to identify bulk waste generators within six weeks. Local bodies will then issue notices to those identified, and non-compliant generators could face temporary disconnection of electricity and water supplies through the District Collector’s Special Cell. In rural areas, Gram Panchayats and other local bodies will oversee door-to-door collection, segregation, processing, home composting where feasible and action against open dumping and burning.

The School and Higher Education Department is integrating theoretical and practical waste-management modules into the curriculum. Students will be trained as Household Supervisors to promote 100% segregation at home, supported by periodic audits. Daily audits of processing facilities and monitoring of interstate waste movement will also be undertaken, while state and district committees constituted in April will supervise implementation across the state.