Stress laid on Rural-Urban Convergence, Sustainable Waste Management under SBM
Bandipora | : Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, on Tuesday visited the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at Municipal Committee Sumbal and the Plastic Waste Management Unit (PWMU) at Nowgam to review the progress of ongoing waste management initiatives in the Sumbal Sub-Division.
The DC was accompanied by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Sumbal, Murtaza Ahmad Sheikh; Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Bandipora, B.A. Padder; Assistant Commissioner Panchayat (ACP) Bandipora, Block Development Officer (BDO) Nowgam, Executive Officer (EO) MC Sumbal, and representatives from the Pollution Control Committee and Cooperatives.
During the inspection, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the functioning of the MRF and PWMU units and interacted with field staff to understand operational procedures. She emphasized the importance of rural-urban convergence to develop an integrated and sustainable waste management system under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).
The DC stressed the need for reduction of waste generation at the source by adopting the principles of Refuse, Reduce, and Reuse (RRR) and encouraged people to minimize plastic consumption in daily life. She also urged the public to replace polythene and single-use plastics with eco-friendly cloth bags, calling it an important step towards responsible waste behavior.
Inspecting the MRF, the DC was informed that the facility ensures scientific segregation and treatment of dry and wet waste, where biodegradable waste is converted into compost and recyclables are processed for reuse.
She appreciated the efforts of the Municipal Committee and directed further improvement in cleanliness, operational efficiency, and record maintenance.
To strengthen infrastructure and ensure smooth functioning, the DC directed that both facilities be properly fenced and equipped with electricity, water supply, street lighting, and CCTV surveillance for better monitoring and safety. She also instructed concerned departments to expedite works on approach roads and other related infrastructure for hassle-free operations.
Highlighting the welfare of sanitation workers, the DC directed that a special medical camp be organized for their health check-up and awareness, recognizing their crucial role in maintaining community hygiene.
At ZalporaNowgam, the DC also inspected the Segregation Shed set up by the Rural Development Department and reviewed the machinery and operational practices. She reiterated the administration’s goal of achieving zero landfill status by ensuring complete treatment and recycling of waste, thereby eliminating the need for dumping grounds.
The DC further informed that the district administration would soon enforce challan and penalty provisions against individuals and commercial establishments found violating waste management norms, including littering and plastic misuse. She said these measures aim to strengthen public accountability and reinforce the district’s commitment to clean and green living.
On the occasion, the DC called for coordinated action among all departments and active community participation to make Bandipora a model district for scientific waste management and environmental sustainability in Jammu and Kashmir.
