From Oct, sanitation workers can refuse to collect trash, impose fine for unsegregated waste

The new rules, which will come into effect from October, also give garbage collectors the authority to levy penalties on households for not segregating waste.

Besides, the gram panchayats would facilitate the collection and storage of agricultural residue in its jurisdiction. To curb stubble burning, the proposed rules state that it would the responsibility of gram panchayats to ensure there are no instances of burning of agriculture and horticulture waste and levy heavy penalties on persons found violating this direction.

The gram panchayats will also have to file “annual returns” regarding agri-residue generated and utilised on the centralised online portal -- which will be created by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) -- by June 30 every year.

“All hotels, restaurants, resident welfare, market associations and gated communities and institutions with more than 5,000 sq m area shall ensure segregation of waste at source and facilitate collection of segregated waste in separate streams, handover recyclable material to the authorised waste pickers or recyclers,” the rules said.

Moreover, the rules also stated that the biodegradable waste like peels of fruits, vegetables and paper should be composted within the apartments and hotels as far as possible.

The Centre has further mandated the creation of a buffer zone around waste processing facilities. No residential, commercial or any other establishment should be constructed within the buffer zones.

To curb litter along trails in tourist spots and open dumping of waste in hilly areas, the Centre has proposed that municipal bodies can levy solid waste management charges from tourists at the entry point to make the solid waste management services sustainable.