Collector & District Magistrate of South Goa, H/c Kushavati Districts, Ms. Egna Cleetus, IAS, chaired a meeting of the District Level Committee for implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, in compliance with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Civil Appeal No. 6174/2023, in the presence of Shri Ramesh Gaonkar, Additional Collector-II, Shri Prajeet R. Chodankar, Deputy Collector, South II.
Officials including SDMs, Mamlatdars, BDOs, Municipal Councils, representatives from Health, Urban Development and Tourism, along with GWMC, GSPCB and PI attended the meeting.
The meeting highlighted the Supreme Court directions and the powers entrusted to the District Collector under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for monitoring and implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules. Action against bulk waste generators violating the Rules, including disconnection of water and electricity supply, was also discussed.
Responsibilities of the District Level Committee, District Magistrate and Member Secretary of GSPCB were reviewed to ensure effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The District Magistrate was tasked with monitoring waste management facilities and conducting regular inspections, while GSPCB was directed to coordinate with departments and prepare monthly compliance reports.
The roles of Taluka Level Teams headed by SDMs were also explained. The teams will inspect dumping sites, monitor illegal dumping, identify blackspots and bulk waste generators, and submit fortnightly reports to GSPCB