Shopian: District Administration Shopian, has issued a firm directive to curb the irresponsible disposal of waste by shopkeepers and business establishments within the district.
In a notice released by the administration, it was observed that shopkeepers have been contributing to severe health and environmental hazards by disposing of garbage, burning refuse, and polluting water bodies along roadsides, public spaces, and connecting roads.
This notice aligns with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2019, as well as rulings from the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal. The administration emphasized that urgent actions are essential to regulate the rampant disposal of waste in the area, citing Rule 5 of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and Rule 15 of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2019. The goal is to reduce the negative impact on public health and maintain the district’s cleanliness.
To address these issues, the administration has introduced several immediate measures:
- Strict Ban on Waste Dumping: The disposal or burning of garbage in front of shops, on main roads, public places, rivers, and link roads is strictly prohibited within Shopian.
- Mandatory Waste Segregation: All shopkeepers and business establishments are required to place two dustbins in front of their premises for the organized collection and segregation of waste such as vegetable peels, tea waste, fruit remains, and other leftovers for proper disposal.
- Enforcement and Penalties: Block Development Officers and the Municipal Council’s Executive Officer in Shopian have been authorized to impose hefty fines or even shut down businesses temporarily if they violate these rules. Offenses include dumping waste indiscriminately and failing to comply with the required dual dustbin system.
Order is effective immediately, and violators will face strict legal consequences. The Additional District Development Commissioner, Shopian, has been designated as the Nodal Officer to ensure compliance with these regulations.
The administration urges the community to cooperate in keeping Shopian clean and green.
