BSPCB trains 20,000 officers, leaders for implementation of solid waste management rules

The Bihar State Pollution Control Board BSPCB has trained 20,000 officers and local leaders for the implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules 2025 over the past three weeks, officials said on Thursday. A February 19 Supreme Court order stated that non-compliance with the rules would not only be considered an administrative failure, but also provide for the prosecution of officials who fail to perform their duties, officials highlighted.

The Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) has trained 20,000 officers and local leaders for the implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules 2025 over the past three weeks, officials said on Thursday. The online training was held in 12 phases between April 15 and May 7 regarding the implementation of the rules. According to a statement issued by the board, for strict compliance with the rules, BSPCB, in collaboration with various stakeholders, including Urban Development and Housing Department, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj Department, conducted online training for mukhiyas, district magistrates, panchayat-level officers and others. BSPCB chairman D K Shukla, who inaugurated the 12th session, said, ''The fundamental concept of the rules is to promote circular economy and ensure optimum use, reuse and recycle of the country's limited resources. The trained officials can play a vital role in this pursuit.'' Large waste producers such as institutions, malls, apartments, etc, will be held responsible for disposing of their own waste. If they cannot process their wet waste themselves, they must obtain an EPR certificate from the local body, he added. A February 19 Supreme Court order stated that non-compliance with the rules would not only be considered an administrative failure, but also provide for the prosecution of officials who fail to perform their duties, officials highlighted. The Supreme Court also ordered on Tuesday that district magistrates should be given special powers under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to prosecute non-compliers, they added.