Advisor Ladakh, Umang Narula discussed the preparation & subsequent implementation of the District Environment Plan (DEP) ON July 16, following the orders passed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

It was emphasized that the DEP should include Solid Waste, Plastic Waste, Construction and Demolition Waste, Bio-medical Waste, E-Waste Management Plan etc.

Advisor Narula directed the Deputy Commissioner of both Leh/Kargil districts to prioritize the plan for the management of plastic waste, especially single-use plastic waste.

The concerned officials apprised Advisor Narula that a nodal officer will be designated for each thematic area. It was decided to conduct a workshop in which technical experts from CPCB and GB Pant Institute etc would be invited for providing handholding support to the districts for preparing these plans. 

While discussing the health sector, Principal Secretary, Health and Medical Education informed about setting up a common bio-medical facility for which a site would be identified at a place suitably placed and away from the habitations in Leh and Kargil. 

During the discussion on the housing sector, the concerned officials stated that a solid waste treatment plant is in progress in Leh district, whereas the tendering process for the SWM Plant in Kargil is complete. It was further informed that water testing laboratories are open to the public and work on NABL accreditation is in progress. Besides, the work on regulating groundwater usage is in progress. 

While speaking on the generation of hazardous waste, the officials informed that 90-150 kg of hazardous waste is generated per annum, whereas the quantity of incinerable waste generated annually is 5400 kg. Similarly, the quantity of land fillable hazardous waste stands at 30-40 kg and recyclable hazardous waste is 2000 kg.