Dakshina Kannada DC Orders Local Bodies to Enforce Solid Waste Rules Strictly
Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V. has mandated that all local bodies in the district roll out time-bound action plans to comply with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. Chairing a meeting of the District-Level Monitoring Committee at his office on Tuesday, he stressed that achieving 100 percent door-to-door waste collection and segregation at source must be treated as top priorities.
Mr. Darshan instructed local bodies to run continuous public awareness campaigns on waste segregation and cleanliness. The meeting also discussed identifying and developing land for solid waste processing units in urban areas, alongside maintaining systematic records of bulk waste generators.
Committee members reviewed progress on scientific management and disposal of legacy waste accumulated across various local bodies. Officials were directed to speed up clearance of remaining legacy waste.
District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Vinayak Karbari urged Gram Panchayats to implement the 2026 rules effectively and prevent littering in public spaces. He called for regular cleanliness and segregation awareness programmes.
Dr. Santosh Kumar, Project Director of the District Urban Development Cell, detailed steps local bodies should adopt to strengthen waste management. He emphasised strict compliance at every stage — collection, transportation, processing and disposal.
Directions were issued on efficient management of processing units, speedy legacy waste disposal, registration and monitoring of bulk waste generators, provision of safety equipment to sanitation workers, and timely submission of progress reports.
Environmental Officers from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board explained key provisions of the 2026 rules and local body responsibilities. They noted that local bodies must obtain consent certificates under the Water Act, Air Act and the Solid Waste Management Rules.
Representatives from the District Panchayat, Mangaluru City Corporation, District Urban Development Cell, Education Department, urban local bodies, Taluk Panchayats, environmental experts and committee members attended. Environmental Officer Dr. Manju R. proposed the vote of thanks.
Posters promoting four-category waste segregation were released during the meeting.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalore Today