Press Release
Press release from Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) SBM-G, Rural Development Department, RDD
Information & Public Relations Department
World Environment Day Observed with Emphasis on Sustainable Living and Waste Management.
Gangtok, 5 June 2026 (RDD): The Rural Development Department (RDD) observed World Environment Day 2026 with a plantation drive and awareness programme on sustainable waste management practices at its premises today.
Secretary, RDD, Mr Anil Raj Rai, IAS, Principal Chief Engineer, RDD, Mr Sukbir Subba, Special Secretary cum Mission Director, SBM-G, Mrs Koshi Kapil, Special Secretary, RDD-cum-Project Director, MGNREGA, Mrs Tshering Lhaden Lachungpa, Joint Secretary, Mr Deepak Rai, Joint Secretary, SBM-G, Mr Roshan Subba, National Awardee cum NSS Programme Officer, Mr Arjun Pradhan, along with the students of Sichey Senior Secondary School, Swachhata Adhikaris, and the officers and staff of the Rural Development Department were present.
The day was observed under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future”, reaffirming the global commitment to climate action and environmental stewardship.
Welcoming the gathering, the Mission Director, SBM-G, underscored the significance of World Environment Day, stating that environmental stewardship should not be limited to a single day but practised throughout the year by every individual. She urged all present to uphold the environmental pledge taken during the programme and adopt sustainable habits in their daily lives.
Addressing the gathering, Secretary, Mr Anil Raj Rai highlighted the growing challenge posed by textile and clothing waste. He noted that while plastic waste remains a concern, discarded clothing has emerged as a significant environmental issue due to limited recycling options. He encouraged participants to adopt mindful consumption habits, reduce unnecessary purchases and promote the reuse of clothing and other materials wherever possible.
Highlighting the importance of reducing waste generation, Mission Director, SBM-G called upon participants to consciously reduce, reuse and recycle plastic and other reusable materials. She encouraged everyone to practise sustainable habits consistently, noting that small actions undertaken regularly can lead to lasting behavioural change.
She also elaborated on the provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, describing them as a significant step towards sustainable development and responsible waste management. She emphasised the following key provisions:
1. Mandatory source segregation of waste into four colour-coded categories.
2. Environmental compensation and penalties for violations based on the “polluter pays” principle.
3. Online tracking and monitoring of the entire solid waste management process.
4. Defined responsibilities of bulk waste generators, including mandatory waste processing systems for institutions, industries and commercial establishments.
5. Development of a centralised online portal for registration and monitoring of waste management activities.
6. Regular audits and inspections of waste processing facilities by designated authorities.
7. Enhanced responsibility of Rural Local Bodies for collection, segregation and transportation of waste to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs).
8. Special focus on peri-urban areas to strengthen waste management infrastructure and services.
9. Promotion of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) through processing, shredding and utilisation of non-recyclable waste.
10. Higher landfill fees for unsegregated waste, mapping of legacy waste sites, regulation of tourism-related waste generation and establishment of state and district-level monitoring mechanisms.
She further emphasised that every individual is a waste generator and stressed the need for responsible segregation and disposal of waste at source.
Thereafter, the Secretary, along with the officials of the department, planted saplings under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” SWACHH GAON, SURAKSHIT JALVAYU campaign, a national initiative that encourages individuals to plant a tree in honour of their mothers, as a tribute to motherhood, nature, and environmental responsibility. It is a collective call for individual responsibility and sustained action towards environmental conservation. Participants were subsequently taken on a visit to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF), where demonstrations on waste segregation, characterisation and processing were conducted.
Earlier, the Secretary also administered a pledge on Environmental Day to all present, reaffirming their collective commitment to environmental protection and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
The observance also featured practical demonstrations on waste segregation and management at the Material Recovery Facility, wherein the officials and staff of the department actively participated. The event highlighted the importance of environmental responsibility and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustainable development and green initiatives.
Gangtok, 5 June 2026 (RDD): The Rural Development Department (RDD) observed World Environment Day 2026 with a plantation drive and awareness programme on sustainable waste management practices at its premises today.
Secretary, RDD, Mr Anil Raj Rai, IAS, Principal Chief Engineer, RDD, Mr Sukbir Subba, Special Secretary cum Mission Director, SBM-G, Mrs Koshi Kapil, Special Secretary, RDD-cum-Project Director, MGNREGA, Mrs Tshering Lhaden Lachungpa, Joint Secretary, Mr Deepak Rai, Joint Secretary, SBM-G, Mr Roshan Subba, National Awardee cum NSS Programme Officer, Mr Arjun Pradhan, along with the students of Sichey Senior Secondary School, Swachhata Adhikaris, and the officers and staff of the Rural Development Department were present.
The day was observed under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future”, reaffirming the global commitment to climate action and environmental stewardship.
Welcoming the gathering, the Mission Director, SBM-G, underscored the significance of World Environment Day, stating that environmental stewardship should not be limited to a single day but practised throughout the year by every individual. She urged all present to uphold the environmental pledge taken during the programme and adopt sustainable habits in their daily lives.
Addressing the gathering, Secretary, Mr Anil Raj Rai highlighted the growing challenge posed by textile and clothing waste. He noted that while plastic waste remains a concern, discarded clothing has emerged as a significant environmental issue due to limited recycling options. He encouraged participants to adopt mindful consumption habits, reduce unnecessary purchases and promote the reuse of clothing and other materials wherever possible.
Highlighting the importance of reducing waste generation, Mission Director, SBM-G called upon participants to consciously reduce, reuse and recycle plastic and other reusable materials. She encouraged everyone to practise sustainable habits consistently, noting that small actions undertaken regularly can lead to lasting behavioural change.
She also elaborated on the provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, describing them as a significant step towards sustainable development and responsible waste management. She emphasised the following key provisions:
1. Mandatory source segregation of waste into four colour-coded categories.
2. Environmental compensation and penalties for violations based on the “polluter pays” principle.
3. Online tracking and monitoring of the entire solid waste management process.
4. Defined responsibilities of bulk waste generators, including mandatory waste processing systems for institutions, industries and commercial establishments.
5. Development of a centralised online portal for registration and monitoring of waste management activities.
6. Regular audits and inspections of waste processing facilities by designated authorities.
7. Enhanced responsibility of Rural Local Bodies for collection, segregation and transportation of waste to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs).
8. Special focus on peri-urban areas to strengthen waste management infrastructure and services.
9. Promotion of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) through processing, shredding and utilisation of non-recyclable waste.
10. Higher landfill fees for unsegregated waste, mapping of legacy waste sites, regulation of tourism-related waste generation and establishment of state and district-level monitoring mechanisms.
She further emphasised that every individual is a waste generator and stressed the need for responsible segregation and disposal of waste at source.
Thereafter, the Secretary, along with the officials of the department, planted saplings under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” SWACHH GAON, SURAKSHIT JALVAYU campaign, a national initiative that encourages individuals to plant a tree in honour of their mothers, as a tribute to motherhood, nature, and environmental responsibility. It is a collective call for individual responsibility and sustained action towards environmental conservation. Participants were subsequently taken on a visit to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF), where demonstrations on waste segregation, characterisation and processing were conducted.
Earlier, the Secretary also administered a pledge on Environmental Day to all present, reaffirming their collective commitment to environmental protection and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
The observance also featured practical demonstrations on waste segregation and management at the Material Recovery Facility, wherein the officials and staff of the department actively participated. The event highlighted the importance of environmental responsibility and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustainable development and green initiatives.
