Tamil Nadu, despite all its industrial prowess, seems to be grappling with an issue that jeopardises its environmental well-being — the violation of waste disposal norms and “clandestine auction” of waste by the very same industries that are driving the State’s economic advancement. The Tamil Nadu Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2016, stipulate guidelines for Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs). Yet, many industries in districts such as Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, Tiruppur, Salem, Madurai, Tiruchi, Erode, and Chennai have acted in contravention of these rules, driving up hazardous dumping and waste-burning.
What do the rules stipulate?
According to the SWM Rules 2016, BWGs, comprising mostly industries and manufacturing units, are required to segregate waste on their premises into three categories: bio-degradable, non-biodegradable, and hazardous. The rules emphasise that all institutions with an area exceeding 5,000 square metres, hotels, restaurants, and apartments must ensure waste segregation within a year of the rule’s notification. “Non-compliance could result in environmental degradation and jeopardise public health,” the guidelines state.
