MC Leh Conducts Training Programme on Integrated Solid Waste Management
01/03/2026
Leh, February 28 (KIP)-Municipal Committee Leh (MC Leh) organised a half-day Training & Capacity Building Programme on Integrated Solid Waste Management under the Training & Capacity Building component of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 on 28th February 2026 at The Grand Dragon Hotel. The programme was conducted in collaboration with Zero Waste Ladakh and Ladakh Ecological Development Group (LeDEG).
In his opening address, Stanzin Rabgais, Executive Officer, MC Leh, underscored the crucial role of both the executive and elected bodies in strengthening waste management systems in Leh town. He emphasized close coordination with Nambardars and community representatives, reiterating that waste management is a shared civic responsibility. He informed that Household User Charges will be implemented from 1st April 2026 at ₹100 per household per month. Households opting for an annual payment of ₹1,200 will receive a rebate of ₹200. He further clarified that separate user charges will be levied on commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants. He urged representatives to actively sensitize residents at the ward and mohalla levels to ensure effective implementation.
Mepham Jigmet, Member of Zero Waste Ladakh, delivered a comprehensive session on Integrated Solid Waste Management, covering municipal solid waste management frameworks, waste-to-energy concepts, the R-principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), and relevant by-laws. A hands-on source segregation activity was conducted, demonstrating scientific classification of wet waste, dry waste, special care waste, and sanitary/surgical waste to enhance practical understanding among participants.
Asma from LeDEG presented an overview of waste generation trends in Leh, highlighting that the town generates a high volume of waste relative to its population size. She elaborated on integrated climate-resilient waste management approaches and identified key systemic gaps, including mixed waste collection, seasonal tourist surge pressure, overburdened centralized facilities, and environmental vulnerabilities such as open dumping. She highlighted the operational 3R Centre in the Leh Main Market, where residents can deposit recyclable materials in exchange for incentives. She further shared future plans to decentralize Leh’s waste management system by dividing the town into five zones, each supported by a facility plant per tonne per day (TPD), aimed at promoting localized and sustainable waste solutions.
Dorjey, Plant Supervisor of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Plant at Skampari, shared field-level challenges faced by sanitation and segregation workers. He expressed concern over improper waste segregation and the presence of hazardous materials, which pose health risks to workers. He appealed to community representatives to ensure monitoring at the point of collection and stressed the need to guarantee safe and humane working conditions. He also noted that night inspections have revealed several violations of waste management norms.
Tsering, Plant Supervisor of Project TsangDa, Solar Colony, addressed issues related to public behaviour during waste collection, citing instances of disrespect and verbal abuse toward sanitation workers. She emphasized that sanitation workers play a vital role in maintaining public hygiene and deserve dignity and respect.
Padma Tashi, Nambardar of Gonpa Gangles, spoke on seasonal environmental concerns and assured full cooperation in raising awareness at the household level to support MC Leh initiatives. Thinles Dorjey, Nambardar of MES Colony, shared his experiences in managing waste within his locality and appreciated MC Leh for organizing the awareness programme. He suggested the introduction of a structured weekly waste collection timetable alongside intensified public awareness efforts.
Moses Kunzang, Administrative Secretary (Youth, Services & Sports) and Director (Housing & Urban Development), attended the programme as the Chief Guest. He emphasized the importance of institutional capacity building within MC Leh and reiterated that effective waste management requires collective responsibility and behavioural change at the community level. He also outlined upcoming developmental initiatives and strengthened by-laws aimed at improving urban governance.
During the vote of thanks, the Executive Officer reiterated the strict implementation of cleanliness measures from 1st April 2026 and requested Nambardars to submit updated household lists by March 2026. He also informed that school-level awareness programmes will be launched and improvements in local toilet systems will be undertaken in a phased manner.
The programme was attended by Ishey Tundup, Director, LeDEG, along with Nambardars of Leh town, representatives of SHGs, Ama Tsogspa, religious institutions, and other stakeholders.
The event concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen decentralized, climate-resilient, and community-driven solid waste management practices in Leh town.
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