DC lauds unique initiative to tackle foul smell from garbage

Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner Sumit Khimta recently visited the Miyawaki plantation initiative near the solid waste management processing plant in Bhatanwali, Paonta Sahib.

During his visit, the DC praised the efforts undertaken with the aim of ecological restoration and solid waste management. The initiative aims to tackle the foul odour that the waste treatment plant gives off through the creation of a dense green barrier using the Miyawaki plantation technique — which rapidly grows native plant species.

The Deputy Commissioner noted the success of the project and expressed his intention to replicate the model in other parts of the district, particularly in the solid waste management plants located in Nahan, Rajgarh and other parts of the district.

“This initiative demonstrates a successful blend of ecological restoration with waste management, providing a sustainable solution for communities living near such plants,” Khimta said.

He stressed the need for expanding such green barriers to improve the environmental impact of waste treatment facilities across the district.

During the visit, Paonta Sahib Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Aishwarya Raj briefed Khimta about the project’s background.

The initiative was launched in response to an order from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) following the case Gram Panchayat Bhatanwali v Union of India, which addressed environmental concerns related to the waste treatment plant in Bhatanwali.

Communities near the plant had raised objections regarding the unpleasant smell the facility gave off, prompting the need for a long-term, environmentally friendly solution.

In line with the NGT’s orders, the district administration and the Forest Department developed a comprehensive action plan to establish a green barrier around the waste treatment plant using the Miyawaki method.

This method — known for creating dense, native forests — was deemed ideal for quickly forming a green wall that could mitigate the unpleasant odours affecting nearby communities.

The Forest Department (Paonta Sahib) undertook the task of garbage clearing, soil work, and other preparatory measures to establish the plantation amidst challenging conditions. Over 1,000 tall trees and 3,000 shrubs and herbs of more than 40 native species were planted during the monsoon season — including species such as shisham, neem, amaltas, and wild mango.

Fast-growing and fragrant plants such as harshringar, raat ki rani, and chameli were chosen to form layers that would not only block the smell but also add to the local biodiversity.