Ludhiana: Local authorities have launched a city-wide sweep to identify and register hundreds of “bulk waste generators” as part of a sweeping new environmental crackdown designed to shift the burden of refuse management onto the city’s largest institutions.Under the newly notified Solid Waste Management Rules of 2026, all major waste producers — including hotels, marriage palaces, hospitals, and schools — are now legally required to register through a centralised online portal and take full responsibility for their trash.The mandate marks a significant escalation in the city’s attempt to modernize its infrastructure. While the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) had previously identified 31 such generators, officials believe this figure represents only a fraction of the actual total in the sprawling industrial hub. A fresh survey has been ordered to catch businesses and institutions that have previously operated under the radar.The existing list of 31 identified bulk waste generators includes several prominent landmarks. Educational institutes includes Punjab Agricultural University, SCD Govt College, and various Sacred Heart and Arya colleges. Healthcare facilities include Fortis, DMC, and CMC hospitals. Commercial centres include Hotel Hyatt Regency, Park Plaza, MBD Mall, Pavilion Mall, and the Verka Milk Plant.New ResponsibilitiesUnder the 2026 regulations, these entities must establish on-site decentralized processing facilities, such as composting or bio-methanation plants, to handle all organic “wet” waste. For dry and sanitary waste, they are required to arrange specialised collection and handover to authorized agencies.In a first for the city, the rules also include a “pay-to-pollute” alternative for older institutions. Existing generators that physically cannot accommodate on-site processing must apply for an exemption and purchase Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility certificates to fund equivalent processing elsewhere.Enforcement and TransportThe rules extend beyond stationary buildings. Public transport entities, including roadways and railways, are now strictly liable for waste generated during journeys and at stations, with a mandate to ensure no littering occurs during transportation. “We are currently reviewing the new rules and will act in accordance with the law in the coming days,” said Sham Lal Gupta, superintending Engineer of the municipal corporation.The crackdown signals a move toward a “polluter pays” model, as the city struggles to manage the mounting pressure on its central landfill sites.
