Chandigarh MC tells schools to segregate waste at source

A review meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, Amit Kumar, to assess compliance of waste management, sanitation, awareness programmes and fire safety measures in schools across the city.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that segregation of waste at source was mandatory in all schools. They were directed to ensure the installation and regular use of dual and sanitary bins and strictly follow the reduce, reuse and recycle principle as per Solid Waste Management Rules.

The Commissioner said that horticulture waste must be processed in-house by schools, and necessary arrangements should be completed within the prescribed timelines. Proper handling and disposal of garden and green waste was stressed to prevent environmental hazards.

It was further informed that the Swachh School Award will be implemented under different categories, and schools were instructed to participate through the prescribed online application. Regular weekly awareness programmes, including Swachhta Doot activities, were made mandatory to inculcate cleanliness and environmental responsibility among students.

The meeting highlighted that awareness and behavioural change initiatives must be made compulsory in schools, including demonstrations, cleanliness drives and student engagement activities. Schools were also encouraged to organise one-day educational visits for students to waste processing and treatment facilities and other authorised plants to provide exposure to waste management processes.

Emphasis was laid on fire safety compliance. Departments concerned were instructed to carry out inspections, monitor compliance, and submit action-taken reports. Strict action shall be initiated against defaulting schools.