Orientation Session on Enforcement of Non-Biodegradable Material Act Held at Bandipora

 Orientation Session on Enforcement of Non-Biodegradable Material Act Held at Bandipora

BANDIPORA, SEPTEMBER 05: A meeting-cum-orientation session on effective enforcement of the J&K Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act, 2007, Plastic Waste Management Rules and other applicable provisions was held on Saturday at the Conference Hall, Mini Secretariat, Bandipora.

The session was held under the chairmanship of Chairman, J&K Pollution Control Committee (PCC), Vasu Yadav, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib.

During the session, the concerned departments/officials were oriented about the legal provisions governing non-biodegradable material and plastic waste, including the prescribed fine structure and compounding powers under SRO-243 of 2011 and relevant provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

On the occasion, detailed discussions were held on the standardized procedure for identification and documentation of violations, filling and issuance of Compounding Challan-cum-Money Receipt, realization and accounting of the compounding amount, maintenance of records and submission of monthly returns.

The meeting also deliberated on the procedure to be followed in cases where violators refuse to compound the offence, including initiation of proceedings before the competent Magistrate/Executive Magistrate.

During the session, emphasis was laid on coordinated enforcement through joint, sector-wise inspection drives covering commercial hubs, tourist locations and municipal areas. It was informed that enforcement of the Solid Waste Management provisions will commence from next week, with dedicated inspection teams already constituted for conducting field inspections and taking action against violations.

The officers were also asked to identify field-level challenges and ensure effective implementation of the provisions within their respective jurisdictions. The inspection teams were directed to undertake regular field visits, ensure proper documentation of violations and follow the prescribed procedure while initiating enforcement action.

The session further focused on standardizing revenue deposit and accounting procedures and establishing an integrated mechanism for spot fine collection and legal prosecution against violations.

Among others, the meeting was attended by representatives from the District Administration, J&K Police, municipal bodies, J&K Pollution Control Committee, Forest Protection Force, Wildlife Department, Revenue, Tourism and other concerned departments.