Build sheds in every Panchayat for waste sorting: Abhishek Garg

ADC gave instructions in the review meeting of Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural).

Hamirpur, September 23. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADC), Abhishek Garg, has directed all Block Development Officers (BDOs) to take immediate steps to effectively implement the Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 in their respective areas, so that Hamirpur district can be made a model district in the field of cleanliness. Presiding over a review meeting of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) at Hamir Bhawan on Wednesday, Garg stated that these rules define four main categories for solid waste segregation. These include wet waste such as leftover food, fruits, vegetables, etc.; dry waste such as plastic, paper, metal, and glass; sanitary waste; and hazardous waste such as medicines, batteries, CFL bulbs, paint, and electronic waste. Sheds should be constructed on a priority basis in every Panchayat for the segregation of this waste. These can be constructed using funds from the 16th Finance Commission and the convergence of the VB-Jiramji Scheme. The ADC also requested reports on the plastic waste management units in all six blocks.
The ADC said that all Block Development Officers should develop an effective process for collecting plastic, polythene, and other waste in rural areas within ten days, tailored to local conditions. He added that by familiarizing new Panchayat representatives with the various processes of the Swachh Bharat Mission, solid waste management, toilet construction, and other sanitation-related activities can be accelerated. He stated that all 1,675 villages in the district are open defecation-free. Of these, 1,613 villages have been declared model villages and their data has been uploaded. Data uploading should be completed as soon as possible to declare other villages as model villages. The district has a target of constructing 47 public toilets in the financial year 2026-27. Of these, 38 have been approved, and one has already been constructed. During the same period, the district has set a target of constructing toilets in 294 new houses, of which 35 have been completed.
The ADC said that as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, being held from September 17th to October 17th, several cleanliness-related activities have been scheduled for various departments. In addition to the Rural Development Department, all other relevant departments should organize these activities in their respective areas according to the campaign calendar. These activities could include raising public awareness about cleanliness, cleaning educational institutions, Anganwadi centers, water sources, and various public places.