Gram Panchayats in Himachal will now levy a cleanliness fee. A fine of Rs 200 to Rs 500 will also be imposed for throwing garbage in the open. The Rural Development Department has notified a new policy for solid waste management. On Wednesday, the Secretary of the Department, Rajesh Sharma, has issued an SOP in this regard. This is an exercise to organize and dispose of solid waste management. Waste will be collected using green, blue and red bins in homes and commercial establishments. The trade licenses of commercial entities that repeatedly violate the orders will be canceled.
With the aim of transforming rural sanitation and environmental sustainability, the government has decided to implement the Solid Waste Management Policy 2024 in rural areas. Under the notification, permission has been given to levy cleanliness fee, use 15th Finance Commission grants, promote public-private partnership (PPP) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) models to support infrastructure development and operational costs. Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis and Zilla Parishads and related departments will implement the new policy in the state. Garbage will be collected daily by designated collectors.
Responsibilities of various agencies fixed
The Rural Development Department will coordinate the issuance of SOPs, training and inter-agency cooperation. The Zila Parishad will provide technical, financial support and oversee the implementation. Panchayat Samitis will monitor operations and ensure proper utilization of funds.
Monitoring and capacity building
The Block Development Officer (BDO) will oversee block-level activities, while the Deputy Commissioner will provide quarterly updates to the state. Training will be conducted for PRIs and sanitation workers. Awareness campaigns will be run through gram sabhas and local media.