Karnataka Aims To Become A Model State In Solid Waste Management; Chief Secretary Dr. Shalini Rajneesh Calls For Strict Implementation Of New 2026 Rules

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Bengaluru, May 30: Karnataka Chief Secretary Dr. Shalini Rajneesh has called upon officials at all levels and the public to work collectively towards transforming Karnataka into a model state in solid waste management through the effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules-2026.

Addressing a state-level video conference workshop held at Vidhana Soudha on the implementation of the new rules, Dr. Rajneesh said the Supreme Court has already held discussions with Chief Secretaries of all states and directed strict enforcement of the Solid Waste Management Rules-2026 across the country. She said the Central Government has entrusted selected states with the responsibility of ensuring successful implementation of the new regulations, making it imperative for officials and citizens alike to discharge their responsibilities without negligence.

The Chief Secretary stressed that awareness about the new rules must be created at every level of governance and among the public. She said compliance with the regulations is essential not only for environmental protection but also to avoid penalties and legal consequences arising from non-compliance with Supreme Court directives.

Speaking on waste segregation, Dr. Rajneesh noted that thousands of tonnes of solid waste generated every day from households and public spaces can become a major environmental threat if not scientifically managed. She directed authorities to implement the mandatory four-way segregation system prescribed under the new rules and ensure that segregated waste is transported separately to designated processing facilities. She also called for the development of an integrated monitoring system supported by technology and mapping tools to track waste collection, transportation and disposal activities across the state.

Highlighting the role of women in sanitation management, Dr. Rajneesh said nearly 4,000 Gram Panchayats have already successfully deployed women’s self-help groups as ‘Swachh Vahinis’ for waste management activities. She directed officials to expand the initiative to all 6,000 Gram Panchayats in Karnataka and provide comprehensive training on the new rules and waste management practices.

The Chief Secretary also emphasised the need for mandatory online registration of all bulk waste generators. She said institutions, commercial establishments and other large waste producers must be made aware of their obligations through Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns. Authorities must closely monitor the quantity of waste generated, processed and pending disposal, she added. Dr. Rajneesh further encouraged bulk waste generators to establish their own bio-energy plants and adopt decentralised waste processing mechanisms.

On specialised waste streams, she directed that plastic bottle waste, sanitary waste and biomedical waste should be scientifically disposed of only through agencies empanelled by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board. She urged district administrations to work with private entrepreneurs and industry bodies to promote ‘Waste to Energy’ and ‘Waste to Wealth’ initiatives, creating sustainable economic opportunities from waste management activities. District Panchayat Chief Executive Officers were asked to engage with industrial associations to establish decentralised waste exchange and recycling systems.

Dr. Rajneesh also stressed the importance of proper management of wet waste and liquid waste. She suggested greater utilisation of treated wastewater and implementation of sewage water reuse policies. She further directed officials to ensure that industries use only treated water and strictly prohibit the use of potable drinking water for industrial purposes.

Calling for a transition towards sustainable consumption, the Chief Secretary urged the government to encourage entrepreneurs producing eco-friendly alternatives to environmentally harmful products. She also suggested creating organised markets and branding mechanisms for products manufactured from recycled waste, thereby strengthening the circular economy.

On public participation, Dr. Rajneesh said sanitation drives in villages should be transformed into community-led movements and celebrated like public festivals to build awareness about waste segregation and cleanliness. She called for intensified grassroots IEC activities and directed officials to involve school students through digital awareness programmes, ensuring that environmental responsibility is instilled from an early age.

During the workshop, Dr. Rajneesh officially launched a special awareness campaign material prepared by the Commissionerate of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj to promote widespread understanding of the Solid Waste Management Rules-2026 among government officials and citizens.

Rural Development Commissioner Fouzia Taranum, in her presentation, highlighted the state’s progress in solid waste management. She informed the gathering that infrastructure development is underway across Gram Panchayats and that Karnataka has already established 5,959 Solid Waste Management (SWM) units. The state currently processes approximately 4,252 tonnes of waste per day and operates 7,312 waste collection vehicles. Systematic dry waste collection mechanisms have been introduced in 16,992 villages, while 5,501 Swachh Vahinis have been deployed at the Gram Panchayat level to support sanitation and waste management activities.

The workshop was attended by Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department Secretary Dr. Sameer Shukla, Panchayat Raj Secretary Randeep D., RDWSD Deputy Secretary (Development) S.C. Mahesh, Deputy Secretary (Administration) Jafar Shariff Sutar, Project Officer Snehalatha, Chief Executive Officers of District Panchayats from across the state, Solid Waste Management Nodal Officers, engineers, District SBM-G consultants and other senior officials.

Dr. Rajneesh concluded by reiterating that Karnataka has the opportunity to emerge as a national leader in scientific waste management and environmental sustainability, provided all stakeholders work together to ensure strict implementation of the new rules and responsible waste management practices across urban and rural areas.