Shimla: Taking note of the Himachal Pradesh High Court's sweeping directives on waste management, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced the creation of a dedicated 'Environmental Cell' within the Urban Development Department.
This move targets the mounting challenges of solid and liquid waste management in the state's rapidly urbanizing towns and cities.
Chief Minister Sukhu said there is an urgency of this initiative, stressing that the state's 60 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), including five Municipal Corporations, 29 Municipal Councils, and 26 Nagar Panchayats, are overwhelmed by the growing demand for municipal services.
"Solid and Liquid Waste Management is the biggest challenge our urban local bodies face today. This dedicated cell will ensure cleaner and more sustainable urban environments across Himachal Pradesh," Sukhu said.
The current setup under the Urban Development Department, which oversees the implementation of various Waste Management Rules, is plagued by a lack of technical manpower.
The new Environmental Cell aims to fill this gap by providing the necessary staff and expertise.
Until now, waste management duties have been handled by the project branch of the Directorate of Urban Development.
Sukhu pointed out that this new cell is crucial for making the state's ULBs more environmentally sustainable.
The Chief Minister warned that mishandling waste can have a domino effect on public health, the environment, and overall quality of life.
"Effective waste management is vital not just to prevent the spread of diseases and protect drinking water, but also to maintain air quality and ensure the well-being of our citizens," Sukhu underlined.
