District Admin Bandipora organises first-ever Extended Producer Responsibility Convention in Gurez

• Valley sets to become complete No-Plastic Zone

BANDIPORA: In a landmark step towards environmental conservation and sustainable tourism, the District Administration Bandipora on Wednesday organised the first-ever Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Convention at the Auditorium, Government HSS Dawar, Gurez, bringing together senior functionaries of the Government of India,  district administration, Indian Army, leading national brands and civil society on a single platform.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, presented a detailed proposal on the roadmap to make Gurez a complete No-Plastic Zone. She said the convention had been organised to bring together companies whose products generate plastic waste like bottles, cans, chips packets, biscuit wrappers and other packaged materials, so that they actively participate in managing the waste generated from their products.

 Observing that the growing influx of tourists has made waste management a major challenge, she cautioned camping tent owners, hoteliers and business establishments that strict action shall be initiated under the relevant rules in case of failure to discharge their statutory obligations. Invoking the enduring legacy of Habba Khatoon, the DC urged businesses and shopkeepers to extend wholehearted support to the administration in preserving the pristine character of the valley, and announced that informative signboards highlighting Gurez’s medicinal, ecological and heritage values would be installed en- route to promote responsible tourism.

In her virtual address, the Joint Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti and Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), emphasised that all stakeholders must act as the true owners of their home and preserve every aspect of it. She highlighted the provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, particularly the responsibilities cast upon Bulk Waste Generators, and urged all stakeholders to fulfil their mandate under the rules. She advised the administration to issue advisories for visiting tourists and called for special measures to balance the ecological sensitivity of Gurez with its growing tourism potential, underscoring the spirit of Jan Bhagidari.

Amit Love of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, joining virtually, deliberated in depth on the provisions of Extended Producer Responsibility and suggested that the district draw upon successful models from across the country and adapt them for implementation in Gurez. Experts from the CPCB/SPCB dwelt on the responsibilities of producers and brand owners under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, while Krishi Vigyan Kendra Gurez conducted live hands-on demonstrations on waste segregation and composting.

Speaking on the occasion, the Commanding Officer, 109 Infantry Brigade, described Gurez as the Crown of the Union Territory and stressed the need to accord the highest priority to cleanliness as the valley rises on the national tourist map. Representatives of the Gurez Sub-Division Traders Association shared their experiences on the challenges in implementing EPR at the local level.  An interactive session chaired by the Deputy Commissioner followed, in which she, along with SDM Gurez, ACP Bandipora, Tehsildar Gurez, BDOs and SDPO, responded to a range of queries raised by stakeholders.

The convention was attended by SDM Gurez, ACP Bandipora, DIO Bandipora, BDOs and EOs from across Bandipora, Tehsildar Gurez, ARTO Bandipora, ZEO Gurez, senior officers of the Army, Police and civil administration, officers from CPCB/SPCB and KVK Gurez, representatives of producers, distributors and brand owners including Bisleri, Coca-Cola India, PepsiCo India, Amul, Parle, HUL, ITC, Dabur and Nestlé India, along with the Gurez Trade Association, retailers, shopkeepers, transporters, tour operators, hoteliers, homestay operators, bulk waste generators, NRLM Self-Help Groups, students, NCC cadets, teachers, civil society members and religious leaders.