Dimapur: Chumoukedima Deputy Commissioner Polan John on Tuesday directed bulk waste generators (BWGs) and other stakeholders to comply with the Supreme Court’s time-bound directions and the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.
Speaking at a workshop on bulk waste generators at the DC’s office in Chumoukedima, John warned that non-compliance could attract penalties under the “Polluter Pays” principle and other enforcement provisions. Persistent non-compliance could also lead to measures including disconnection of electricity and water supply, as provided under the applicable directions and rules.
John said solid waste management was not the responsibility of sanitary workers alone but a collective responsibility of individuals, households, institutions and establishments.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s observations, he highlighted the constitutional duty of citizens under Article 51A(g) to protect the environment and noted that the right to a clean and healthy environment is linked to the right to life under Article 21.
John said the revised Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 apply to both urban and rural areas. Individuals and institutions are required to segregate, store and hand over waste to the appropriate authority as prescribed under the rules.
Focusing on BWGs, John said establishments with a built-up area of approximately 20,000 square metres, daily water consumption of around 40,000 litres or daily waste generation of around 100 kg fall under the category if they meet any one of these criteria.
Identified BWGs are required to establish waste-management infrastructure on their premises, manage and process waste appropriately, register online and submit compliance reports. Their premises will also be subject to inspection.
John particularly stressed the need for BWGs to manage wet waste within their premises, including through suitable composting facilities. He said the concerned departments and the Nagaland Pollution Control Board may provide technical guidance.