Himachal Pradesh unveils a new waste management scheme to make the state waste-free. The initiative includes model bylaws for solid waste management and sanitation in villages, aiming to tackle the state’s 304 metric tonnes of daily waste. With advanced treatment plants and community-driven efforts, the scheme promotes sustainable waste disposal and environmental protection.
Himachal Pradesh Launches Ambitious Waste Management Initiative
Himachal Pradesh, known for its pristine landscapes, has been grappling with a mounting waste crisis, generating approximately 304 metric tonnes of solid waste daily, with Shimla alone contributing 51 metric tonnes. To address this, the state government has rolled out a comprehensive waste management scheme under the “Clean Himachal” initiative, aimed at transforming the state into a waste-free region. The scheme, unveiled in 2025, builds on previous efforts and introduces innovative measures to tackle waste disposal challenges effectively.
A cornerstone of the initiative is the issuance of model bylaws for solid waste management and sanitation under Section 188 of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act. These bylaws, announced on May 23, 2025, empower local panchayats to enforce waste segregation, collection, and disposal at the village level. The regulations mandate households and businesses to segregate waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories, ensuring efficient processing at designated facilities. Non-compliance will attract penalties, fostering accountability at the grassroots level.
The state is also scaling up its infrastructure to support the scheme. Building on a 2017 plan to establish six new solid waste management plants, the government has now prioritized upgrading existing facilities and constructing additional ones to handle the increasing waste load, particularly from tourist-heavy areas. These plants will focus on converting waste into compost and biogas, promoting a circular economy. Tarun Kapoor, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board, emphasized, “The new plants will address waste treatment on a larger scale, ensuring no open dumping occurs, as directed by the National Green Tribunal.”
Community participation is a key pillar of the initiative. Drawing inspiration from the 2009 “Polythene Hatao- Paryavaran Bachao” campaign, which incentivized citizens to collect plastic waste for road construction, the new scheme encourages public involvement through awareness drives and reward programs. Collection centers will be established across districts, offering monetary incentives for recyclable waste. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while launching the campaign in Shimla, stated, “Protecting our environment is a collective responsibility. This scheme will succeed with active public participation.”
The initiative also addresses the state’s tourism-driven waste surge. With over 170 million domestic and 100 million foreign tourists visiting annually, waste management has been a persistent challenge. The new scheme introduces mobile waste collection units in tourist hotspots like Manali, Dharamshala, and Shimla, ensuring timely disposal and reducing littering. Additionally, the state plans to integrate technology, such as AI-based waste sorting systems, to enhance efficiency at processing plants.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. A 2021 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report highlighted major flaws in urban local bodies’ waste handling, noting ineffective disposal mechanisms. The current scheme aims to rectify these gaps by decentralizing waste management and strengthening oversight through regional Pollution Control Board offices, including a new one in Dharamshala.
The “Clean Himachal” initiative also aligns with broader environmental goals. The state, which banned polythene bags in 2009, continues to lead in eco-friendly policies. Plans to plant four crore trees to increase green cover complement the waste management efforts, reinforcing Himachal’s commitment to sustainability. As the scheme rolls out, the government is optimistic about creating a cleaner, greener Himachal Pradesh, setting a model for other states to follow.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements from the Himachal Pradesh government, sourced from reputable publications like Times of India and Hindustan Times. Information is accurate as of July 4, 2025, and subject to updates as new developments emerge. For the latest updates, refer to official government announcements.