Leh, July 6, 2026: Administrative Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD), Ms Nidhi Malik, UT Ladakh, chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the functioning and operational status of Project Tsangda and the Solid Resource Management Centres (SRMCs) established across Leh and Kargil districts under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen).
The meeting was attended virtually by the Deputy Commissioners of Leh, Kargil and Drass, Additional District Development Commissioner Leh, Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Nubra, Changthang, Sham and Zanskar, Director Rural Development Department, Joint Directors of Planning and Finance, Project Director, Ladakh Renewable Energy Development Agency (LREDA), District Panchayat Officers, District Panchayat Development Officers and other concerned officers.
At the outset, Director, Rural Development Department, Sajjad Hussain, presented an overview of the existing solid waste management system in the Union Territory. He briefed the chair on the operational status of the 35 SRMCs established across Leh and Kargil districts, the institutional arrangements for their management, and the issues being faced in day-to-day operations. He also highlighted the existing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) relating to the operation and maintenance of SRMCs by LREDA and the forward linkage agreement with Ladakh Recycle for collection and processing of recyclable waste.
Reviewing the overall functioning of the project, the Administrative Secretary stressed that the Rural Development Department, being the nodal department, must play a proactive role in supervising and monitoring the implementation of the project. She observed that all stakeholders must adhere strictly to the provisions of the MoUs and ensure that responsibilities are discharged in a transparent and accountable manner. She directed the concerned officers to review the existing operational framework, identify gaps and submit recommendations for strengthening the system.
The Secretary expressed concern over delays in submission of performance reports and directed LREDA to ensure timely submission of monthly and quarterly operational reports, including data on waste collection, segregation, and processing and vehicle utilisation. She instructed that a common digital platform be used for data reporting to enable effective monitoring and evidence-based decision-making.
The meeting also reviewed the financial sustainability of SRMC operations, including operational expenditure, maintenance costs, funding support and revenue generation. The Secretary directed the concerned departments to examine the existing funding arrangements, prepare proposals for addressing operational gaps and explore convergence of resources wherever feasible. She also called for an assessment of the corpus requirements for ensuring uninterrupted functioning of the facilities.
Emphasising accountability, the Secretary directed that GPS-based monitoring of waste collection vehicles be strengthened and all vehicles be maintained in roadworthy condition. She instructed the Deputy Commissioners to identify garbage vulnerable locations, unauthorised dumping sites and areas requiring immediate intervention. The district administrations were asked to launch intensive awareness campaigns and enforce the Solid Waste Management Rules through effective implementation of penalties against littering and illegal dumping.
During the review of forward linkage arrangements, the Secretary directed that the pending rate revision mechanism for recyclable waste be expedited through the competent authority. She also advised that alternative models, including competitive bidding and benchmarking with municipal practices, be explored to ensure transparency, efficiency and better value for recyclable materials.
The Deputy Commissioners and field officers presented district-specific challenges and requirements, including the need for additional SRMCs in tourist-intensive and geographically dispersed areas, retrofitting of waste collection vehicles for four-way segregation, installation of CCTV cameras at vulnerable locations, provision of uniforms and safety equipment for sanitation workers, and creation of temporary facilities for handling hazardous and critical waste streams.
Special emphasis was laid on achieving source segregation of waste in compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules and directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The Secretary instructed all districts to prepare realistic action plans for improving household-level segregation, strengthening collection systems and ensuring scientific disposal of waste.
Reviewing Project Tsangda, particularly in Nubra and other high tourist footfall areas, the Secretary directed the concerned Deputy Commissioners to prepare decentralised waste management plans, improve wet waste management through composting and bio-waste solutions, strengthen forward linkages with authorised recyclers and identify sustainable solutions for remote locations facing logistical challenges. She also directed that issues relating to electricity supply and land availability for SRMCs be taken up with the concerned departments on priority.
The Secretary reviewed the district-wise projections of infrastructure requirements prepared by the Deputy Commissioners and submitted to the Divisional Commissioner, including proposals for additional Solid Resource Management Centres (SRMCs), waste collection vehicles, machinery, bins, uniforms and operational costs. She directed the concerned officers to examine the proposals thoroughly so that priority requirements could be incorporated under the forthcoming UT Budget. She also stressed the need for stronger community participation, regular monitoring, improved reporting mechanisms and sustained public awareness campaigns to ensure cleaner villages and tourist destinations across Ladakh.
The meeting concluded with directions to all districts and implementing agencies to prepare time-bound Action Taken Reports (ATRs) on the decisions taken during the review meeting and ensure close coordination among all stakeholders for strengthening the solid waste management system in the Union Territory.
