APSPCB forbids District Urban Development Agency (DUDA) from dumping waste in Kameng River

ITANAGAR: The Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) has served a notice to the Deputy Commissioner of East Kameng, asking him to regulate better management of solid waste dumped into the Kameng River, following a complaint filed by Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR).

The pollution board has directed the District Urban Development Agency (DUDA) to immediately stop dumping solid waste into the Kameng River, stating that 'solid wastes have to be managed as per provisions laid down in the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 (SWM Rules, 2016).'

APSPCB Member Secretary, Tapek Riba, in the notice warned that "necessary action will be initiated against the defaulter Department as per relevant rules, if it fails to follow the direction." The board has also banned throwing, burning or burying of solid waste on streets, open public spaces or in the drain, or water bodies. The solid wastes must be scientifically disposed constituting various processes like segregation, collection and treatment and disposal in an environmentally sound manner, Riba said in the notice. Further, the Member Secretary has directed the DC to submit an action taken report within one week.

Welcoming the development, the YMCR has thanked the pollution board for prompt action in the matter and at the same time urged it to do the follow-up. Informing that public in Seppa have resorted to burning their garbage in open air, public places and even at the entrance of the DC bungalow, due to reasons best known to the district administration, the YMCR urged the DC to expedite construction of Material Recycling Facility and to save the town from further polluting, stated a press release.

Also Read: Circular economy solution for city waste management

Also Watch: Assam: Major Boost For War Against Drugs, Cops Seize Huge Drugs Consignment