Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa launched a plastic waste collection and management initiative in Dharamsala Developmental Block from Maned Panchayat. To curb plastic pollution, gram panchayats have passed resolutions imposing a fine of Rs 1,000 on individuals found littering plastic waste, with penalties increasing for repeat offenders.
Dharamsala block became the first in the district to introduce sanitation charges in villages in January 2025. The DC announced that approximately Rs 6.2 lakh will be collected monthly from sanitation charges across the panchayats. Household charges average Rs 50 per month, while shops pay between Rs 100-250. Hotels, restaurants, and homestays are charged Rs 500-1,000 per month based on waste generation.
To ensure efficient waste management, panchayats have signed one-year agreements with waste managers and allocated funds from the 15th Finance Commission’s sanitation grant. In the 2025-26 financial year, Rs 40 lakh has been earmarked for plastic waste collection in Dharamsala Block, with Rs 5 lakh allocated by panchayat samiti members and Rs 6.5 lakh by Zila Parishad.
A ward-wise survey has been conducted in all 27 panchayats to implement cluster-level waste management in Rakkad, Kaned, and Paddar panchayats. Garbage hotspots are being cleaned this month, and fencing is being installed to prevent further littering. CCTV cameras are also being placed near hotspots to monitor violations, with Gram Panchayat Tangroti Khas already installing cameras and fining two offenders Rs 2,000.
To prevent plastic waste from entering rivers, gram panchayats are fencing areas near bridges. The first phase includes fencing the Ikku Khad bridge by Village Balla Jadrangal. Panchayats in high-tourism areas such as Tau, Juhal, Sokani da Kot, and Rakkad are launching awareness campaigns in collaboration with NGOs like Dhauladhar Cleaners and Waste Warriors.
Additionally, the waste management plan covers the Yol cantonment area, which was recently merged with the panchayat jurisdiction. Rakkad Panchayat has already cleaned a garbage hotspot near Manekshaw Dwar in Yol. The initiative aims to establish a sustainable waste management system, ensuring a cleaner and greener Dharamsala.
