A man walks past a huge heap of waste collected in the Khermahal area of Dimapur town. (Morung Photo)
Kohima, May 1 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen chaired a meeting at the Civil Secretariat, Kohima on Friday to review effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, in compliance with the Supreme Court's directions in Civil Appeal No. 6174 of 2023.
Imchen told the meeting that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had notified the SWM Rules, 2026 on January 27, superseding the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, with effect from April 1, 2026, stated a DIPR report.
Stressing that adherence to the new rules was a statutory mandate and not optional, the Chief Secretary directed all departments to ensure strict compliance.
Reiterating the seriousness of the matter, the Chief Secretary cautioned that failure to comply with the Rules and directions of the Supreme Court will have serious legal repercussions for the State.
“The Court order has mandated accountability, holding concerned authorities and officers liable for any lapses,” he said, urging all departments to act with urgency, diligence and a strong sense of responsibility.
Imchen also directed that comprehensive roadmaps and time-bound action plans be developed in coordination with district administrations, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) and local communities.
Principal Secretary, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Y Kikheto Sema emphasised the need for public awareness, segregation at source, inter-departmental coordination and timely compliance with the court order to ensure effective planning, execution and monitoring of the SWM Rules, 2026.
The meeting was attended by Administrative Heads of Departments (AHoDs) and Heads of Departments (HoDs).
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