Sri Vijaya Puram, July 21: The Directorate of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) & Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), under the aegis of the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), has commenced a comprehensive phased capacity-building programme on the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026 for elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The training programme, which began yesterday, aims to strengthen the capacities of PRI representatives and promote effective implementation of scientific solid waste management practices at the grassroots level.
As part of the first phase, training programmes were successfully conducted in the Prothrapur, Ferrargunj and Rangat Blocks, with active participation from elected PRI representatives.
During the sessions, domain experts engaged under RGSA delivered detailed presentations on the salient provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, statutory responsibilities of Gram Panchayats, compliance requirements, and practical strategies for effective implementation. The participants were sensitized to their pivotal role in ensuring scientific segregation, collection, processing and disposal of solid waste, while fostering community participation and environmental sustainability.
The training programmes also included interactive discussions, enabling participants to deliberate on local challenges, exchange experiences, and identify practical solutions and best practices for effective implementation of the SWM Rules within their respective Gram Panchayats.
The Directorate of RD, PRI & ULBs has planned to conduct similar training programmes in all remaining Blocks of the Union Territory in a phased manner, ensuring that every elected PRI representative is adequately equipped with the knowledge and skills required for effective solid waste management.
This capacity-building initiative reflects the commitment of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration towards strengthening grassroots governance, enhancing institutional capacity of Panchayati Raj Institutions, and promoting a cleaner, greener and environmentally sustainable archipelago.