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

Sushil Kumar Singla, Secretary-cum-Member Secretary of the state pollution control board, said the rules require mandatory segregation at source into four streams. These comprise wet waste, including biodegradable kitchen and food waste; dry waste, including paper, plastics, glass and metals; sanitary waste, such as used diapers and sanitary pads; and special care waste, including medicines, paint cans, syringes, mercury thermometers, bulbs and batteries.

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

District Deputy Commissioners, working with local bodies, have been directed to identify Bulk Waste Generators, or BWGs, within six weeks. Local bodies will issue written notices to identified BWGs, and those failing to segregate, process or manage waste in accordance with the rules will face temporary disconnection of electricity and water supplies through the District Collector’s Special Cell.

The board also stressed the role of rural local bodies in door-to-door collection, segregation and scientific processing, including home composting where feasible. Schools are integrating practical and theoretical waste-management modules, with students to be trained as Household Supervisors to promote 100 per cent segregation at home. Daily audits of processing facilities and monitoring of interstate waste movement will support oversight by state and district implementation committees.