Himachal Pradesh to Establish Dedicated Environmental Cell for Waste Management

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a new 'environmental cell' within the urban development department to address solid and liquid waste management. This initiative aims to assist 60 Urban Local Bodies that are struggling with increasing municipal service demands and to provide technical manpower for sustainable environments.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday announced the establishment of a dedicated 'environmental cell' within the state's urban development department. This strategic move aims to tackle the growing challenges of solid and liquid waste management in urban areas.

Sukhu highlighted the urgency of this initiative, noting that 60 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the state, including five municipal corporations, 29 municipal councils, and 26 nagar panchayats, are grappling with increasing demands for municipal services. 'Solid and liquid waste management is the biggest challenge being faced by urban local bodies today,' he stated.

The Department of Urban Development currently lacks the technical manpower to effectively manage waste, but the new environmental cell will bridge this gap by providing necessary staff and expertise. This development is seen as a crucial step towards making Himachal Pradesh's ULBs more environmentally sustainable.

The chief minister emphasized the importance of effective waste management practices to prevent the spread of diseases, protect drinking water, maintain air quality, and safeguard the overall well-being of the community.