Nagaland Chief Secretary, Sentiyanger Imchen on Friday underscored the importance of solid waste management and emphasized that adherence to the provisions of  Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 is not optional but a statutory mandate.

Addressing a meeting at Civil Secretariat, Kohima regarding effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 and in light of the Supreme Court’s directions in Civil Appeal No. 6174 of 2023, Imchen highlighted that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the SWM Rules, 2026on January 27, 2026 superseding the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 with effect from April 1, 2026.

He informed that all departments were directed to ensure strict compliance of the Rules.

The Chief Secretary said that a comprehensive roadmap and time-bound action plan must be developed in coordination with district administration, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) and communities.

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Reiterating the seriousness of the matter, the Chief Secretary cautioned that failure to comply with the Rules and directions of the Supreme Court would have serious legal repercussions for the State and that the Court Order has mandated accountability, holding concerned authorities and officers liable for any lapses. He urged all departments to act with urgency, diligence, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Principal Secretary, EF&CC, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS also emphasized on public awareness, segregation at source, convergence, inter-departmental coordination, timely compliance of the Court Order and active collaboration at all levels to ensure effective planning, execution, and monitoring of Solid Waste Management Rules 2026.

The meeting was attended by Administrative Heads of Departments (AHoDs) and Heads of Departments