Srinagar, Feb 26: The Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) has issued a strict circular mandating compliance with directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Solid Waste Management Rules regarding garbage disposal in Sonamarg.
The circular, issued in continuation of earlier correspondence and in compliance with the NGT’s directions on improper waste disposal, states that strict adherence to environmental laws within the jurisdiction of the SDA is mandatory.
The tribunal has taken serious note of the unscientific dumping of municipal solid waste and littering along roads, open spaces, water bodies, and tourist destinations. Such acts, the circular states, are clear violations of the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016, Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016, and the Environment Protection Act.
The directions apply to all stakeholders, including hoteliers, guesthouse owners, restaurant operators, shopkeepers, villagers, pony owners, tent operators, tour operators, outsourced agencies, and line departments.
As per the circular, all waste generators must ensure mandatory four-stream segregation at source into wet waste, dry waste, domestic hazardous waste, and sanitary waste. Separate covered and labelled bins must be installed within premises, and mixing of waste has been strictly prohibited.
The SDA has further directed that no person shall dump garbage along roadsides, drains, open land, forest areas, riverbanks, water bodies, or any public place. Open burning of solid or plastic waste has also been strictly banned and will invite penal action.
All establishments have been instructed to hand over only segregated waste to the authorized agency. The entire collected waste must be transported strictly to the Sarbal Solid Waste Management Plant notified by the SDA. Disposal at any unauthorized site has been prohibited, and daily lifting and transportation of waste to the Sarbal plant has been made mandatory.
Stakeholders have also been asked to install adequate durable and covered dustbins within and outside their premises to prevent littering. The absence of proper bin facilities will be treated as non-compliance.
The circular reiterates that the use, stocking, and distribution of banned single-use plastic items are strictly prohibited. All stakeholders must ensure proper collection and channelization of plastic waste to authorized recyclers in accordance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016.
Concerned line departments have been directed to ensure the safe transportation and scientific processing of solid waste strictly at the Sarbal Solid Waste Management Plant as per approved standards. Continuous monitoring and enforcement drives will also be carried out.
Every establishment has been made responsible for maintaining cleanliness within its premises and adjoining public areas, including frontage, pathways, and access roads. Failure to maintain sanitation will attract immediate action.
The SDA warned that any negligence, violation, or deviation from these directions will invite strict action under the Solid Waste Management Rules, the Environment Protection Act, and the orders of the NGT.
Environmental compensation, spot penalties, sealing of premises, cancellation of registration, and initiation of legal proceedings may be effected without further notice.
Bashid Ahmad Mir, MTS at the Sonamarg Development Authority, has been designated to conduct regular field inspections and enforcement and has been authorized to impose spot penalties in case of violations, as approved by the competent authority.
The circular has come into force with immediate effect, and all stakeholders have been directed to ensure strict compliance in letter and spirit to safeguard the fragile environment of Sonamarg and uphold its status as a premier tourist destination of Jammu and Kashmir.
