Central Government Issues Guidelines for Solid Waste Management Rules in Himachal Pradesh

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued guidelines for the national implementation of an initiative in Himachal Pradesh. The Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board organized a press conference on September 23 regarding the Nationwide Advocacy Campaign for Dissemination of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. These rules came into force on April 1, 2026, replacing the previous 2016 framework and apply to urban, rural, commercial, institutional, and government establishments.

The new rules mandate that waste must be segregated at the source into four specific streams: Wet Waste, Dry Waste, Sanitary Waste, and Special Care Waste. This requires establishments to manage waste according to specific guidelines, including the secure wrapping of sanitary waste and proper handling of items like CFL bulbs and expired medicines.

The government of Himachal Pradesh is currently focused on initiatives to convert forest waste into various products, amid ongoing environmental concerns regarding waste management in the state.