Mandya enforces new solid waste regulations

Mandya: Mandya district is set to witness stricter enforcement of waste disposal practices following directions issued by deputy commissioner Kumara for the effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, introduced by the Central govt in line with the Supreme Court’s directives on scientific waste disposal.

Chairing a meeting with municipal commissioners and chief officers of urban local bodies on Friday, the DC stressed that the new regulations, which came into force on April 1, 2026, must be implemented rigorously across all municipalities and town limits without exception.

Officials were instructed to launch extensive public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on scientific waste segregation and disposal practices. Highlighting the growing environmental and health risks caused by improper waste handling, the DC said maintaining cleanliness and ensuring systematic disposal of waste is a collective responsibility. He warned that negligence in waste management could seriously impact public health and urban sanitation.

Under the revised rules, all urban local bodies have been directed to enforce mandatory four-way segregation of waste at source. Waste must now be separated into wet waste, dry waste, sanitary waste and special care waste, including discarded batteries, bulbs, expired medicines, paint containers and other hazardous household materials. Officials were told to ensure that every household and commercial establishment is made aware of these segregation norms.

The administration also directed local bodies to identify and register all waste-generating units within their jurisdictions. Bulk waste generators such as apartments, hotels, institutions and commercial establishments have been instructed to process waste at source itself. Strict action, including fines and even disconnection of water supply, has been proposed against violators who fail to comply with the rules.

To improve urban cleanliness, the DC ordered periodic clearance of garbage “black spots” within municipal limits and emphasised daily door-to-door waste collection.