Sri Vijaya Puram, July 22: The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has launched a phased capacity-building programme to train elected Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) representatives on the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, marking a major initiative to strengthen scientific waste management and improve environmental governance across the Islands.
The training programme, organised by the Directorate of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), commenced on Tuesday with the objective of preparing grassroots representatives to implement the newly notified Solid Waste Management Rules effectively in their respective Gram Panchayats.
The first phase of the programme covered the Prothrapur, Ferrargunj and Rangat Blocks, where elected PRI representatives participated in technical sessions designed to enhance their understanding of statutory responsibilities and scientific waste management practices.
According to the Directorate, the initiative seeks to strengthen institutional capacity at the grassroots by equipping elected representatives with the knowledge and practical skills required to implement the SWM Rules, 2026, across rural areas of the Union Territory.
During the training sessions, domain experts engaged under RGSA delivered presentations explaining the key provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. The sessions focused on the legal responsibilities of Gram Panchayats, compliance requirements and practical approaches for implementing scientific waste management systems at the village level.
The programme also highlighted the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in ensuring proper segregation, collection, processing and disposal of solid waste. Participants were sensitised to the importance of encouraging community participation and adopting environmentally sustainable practices to improve waste management at the local level.
Interactive discussions formed an important part of the training, providing elected representatives with an opportunity to discuss local challenges, exchange experiences and identify practical solutions suited to the needs of their respective Gram Panchayats. The sessions also encouraged the sharing of best practices for effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules.
The Directorate has planned to conduct similar training programmes across all remaining blocks of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in a phased manner. The objective is to ensure that every elected PRI representative receives structured training to effectively discharge responsibilities under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.
The capacity-building programme forms part of the Administration’s broader efforts to strengthen grassroots governance by enhancing the institutional capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions. Officials said the initiative is intended to support scientific waste management practices while promoting cleaner villages and environmentally sustainable development across the archipelago.
With phased implementation planned throughout the Union Territory, the Administration aims to build a well-informed network of local representatives capable of leading solid waste management initiatives and ensuring compliance with the new regulatory framework at the village level.
