Karwar: Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya K on Saturday directed officials of urban local bodies to effectively implement the Solid Waste Management Rules-2026 and strengthen waste management systems across the district to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.

Speaking at a training workshop on the Solid Waste Management Rules-2026 and Circular Economy held at the Deputy Commissioner's office in Karwar, she stressed the need for officials to fully understand the new regulations and address waste management challenges efficiently.

The Deputy Commissioner said the district administration has initiated measures to improve waste processing infrastructure, including the establishment of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), and is also taking steps to tackle legacy waste. She noted that land availability remains a challenge for setting up Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs) in the district, where nearly 80 percent of the area is under forest cover.

Highlighting the provisions of the new rules, Lakshmi Priya said establishments generating more than 100 kg of waste per day will be classified as Bulk Waste Generators and will be required to manage their waste at source. Failure to comply could attract punitive action, including disconnection of water and electricity services, as provided under the regulations.

She also called for a systematic mechanism to clear waste dumped along national highways passing through the district and suggested developing an innovative plan to address the issue.

The workshop was attended by commissioners, chief officers, engineers, health inspectors and sanitation staff from urban local bodies across Uttara Kannada district.