An awareness camp on solid waste management was conducted for members of the ATS Nagar Welfare Association in Chinnalapatti under the leadership of Executive Officer Ilavarasi. During the programme, residents were educated on the proper segregation of solid waste using green, blue, red, and black bins.
Under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, and in compliance with directives of the Supreme Court of India, new waste management regulations have been implemented across the country from April 1. According to the revised guidelines, the earlier classification of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste has been expanded into four categories:
Green bins – Biodegradable waste
Blue bins – Non-biodegradable waste
Red bins – Sanitary waste
Black bins – Special waste
Residents have been instructed to segregate and dispose of waste accordingly. Failure to separate waste properly or dumping it in public places may result in penalties under the new regulations.
To create awareness about these rules, the Town Panchayat Administration has been conducting ward-wise campaigns among the public. The awareness programme was held at ATS Nagar Park, with Executive Officer Ilavarasi presiding over the event.
ATS Nagar Welfare Association representatives, including Fourth Ward Member Jayakrishnan, participated in the programme. Sanitary Officer Manikandan delivered the welcome address and later explained the importance of achieving 100 percent waste segregation at source.
Addressing the gathering, Manikandan stated that not only the public but also local body representatives and government officials could face penalties if they fail to follow the prescribed waste management procedures. He further noted that, as per Supreme Court directives, individuals who dump, burn, or bury waste in public places may face fines. In addition, authorities could disconnect their drinking water and electricity connections for repeated violations.
He appealed to residents to cooperate by segregating household waste before handing it over to sanitation workers, thereby contributing to a cleaner environment and easing the work of sanitation staff.
The awareness camp was attended by sanitation workers, cleanliness volunteers, publicity personnel, sanitation supervisors, health inspector trainees, and several residents. At the conclusion of the event, participants took a pledge to protect and promote public health and cleanliness.