Bandipora hosts First-Ever District Convention of Bulk Waste Generators

• DC calls for source segregation, sustainable practices and collective action to build cleaner and greener Bandipora

BANDIPORA: In a first-of-its-kind initiative to strengthen scientific solid waste management, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, on Tuesday chaired the District-Level Convention of Bulk Waste Generators at the Conference Hall, Mini Secretariat, Bandipora.

The convention brought together representatives from government departments, Security Forces, Police, educational and healthcare institutions, hotels, restaurants, commercial and tourism establishments, religious institutions, public sector undertakings, Municipal Council Bandipora, Municipal Committees Hajin and Sumbal, and other identified bulk waste generators to deliberate on scientific waste management.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner said scientific management of bulk solid waste is essential for protecting public health, preserving the environment and ensuring sustainable development. She stressed the need for collective responsibility and coordinated action among government departments, Urban Local Bodies, institutions, commercial establishments and all bulk waste generators.

She urged stakeholders to ensure source segregation, adopt sustainable practices and comply with the Solid Waste Management Rules, stating that active participation by bulk waste generators would strengthen the district’s waste management system and help make Bandipora cleaner and greener.

The convention featured expert presentations by Dr. Sameer Sharma, Founder, SWAHA Resource Management Company, on the responsibilities of bulk waste generators; Raja Muzaffar, RTI activist and environmental advocate, on environmental responsibility; Dr. Mudasir Ahmad Shah, IITian and international expert on waste conversion technologies, on the rural waste management ecosystem in Bandipora; Dr. Sabeena Sultan, Scientist-C, Pollution Control Committee, on scientific and sustainable municipal solid waste management; Zawar Kazim, Solid Waste Management Expert, Directorate of Urban Local Bodies, Kashmir, on scientific waste management practices; and Shri Prabjot Sodhi, Senior Programme Director (Circular Economy), Centre for Environment Education (CEE), on sustainable circularity in plastics.

During his presentation, Prabjot Sodhi emphasised circular economy principles, sustainable resource management, behavioural change and institutional collaboration to tackle plastic waste. He also commended the Deputy Commissioner for transforming the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Complex into a green and sustainable workplace, describing it as a model of responsible governance and environmental stewardship.

Participants were sensitised on source segregation, recycling, composting, resource recovery, scientific processing and disposal of waste, while interactive sessions focused on institutional mechanisms, compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules and promotion of sustainable practices.

The Deputy Commissioner thanked all experts, stakeholders and citizens for their participation and contributions, saying such collective efforts would help build a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Bandipora. The convention concluded with participants pledging support for scientific solid waste management and environmental conservation.

The convention was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Nazir Ahmad Mir, Chief Planning Officer Mohammad Maqbool Lone, Assistant Commissioner Development, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Medical Superintendent District Hospital Bandipora, CEO Municipal Council Bandipora, Executive Officers of Municipal Committees Hajin and Sumbal, Block Development Officers and other officers, besides representatives of the Security Forces, Police, and educational, healthcare, hospitality, commercial, religious and public sector institutions identified as bulk waste generators.