Nongpoh, Apr 22: The district administration of Ri-Bhoi has stepped up efforts to implement the Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, with a strong push toward environmental protection, waste segregation and efficient disposal systems across urban and rural areas.
Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal emphasised the urgency of collective responsibility in tackling waste-related pollution in order to “safeguard public health and the environment.” Every citizen, vendor and institution must actively participate in proper waste segregation and disposal, he added.
Under the new framework, all waste generators are required to segregate waste at source into four distinct streams, wet waste, dry waste, sanitary waste and special care waste. Authorities have stressed that this practice is fundamental to ensuring efficient processing and reducing environmental hazards.
Street vendors have been specifically directed to maintain suitable containers for waste generated during their activities. The administration has warned against indiscriminate dumping, burning, or disposal of waste into drains and water bodies, calling such practices harmful and punishable.
Local bodies across the district have been tasked with ensuring comprehensive solid waste management within their jurisdictions. This includes achieving 100 percent door-to-door collection of segregated waste from households and enforcing strict anti-littering measures.
In line with the revised rules, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) have been formally recognized as key centers for sorting and managing waste streams, including e-waste, sanitary waste, and other special categories. These facilities will also serve as deposition points for further processing and recycling.
