Sikkim Bans Untreated Waste Dumping in Waterways

Gangtok: The Sikkim State Pollution Control Board issued a strict ban on October 7 against dumping untreated waste into water bodies. This move follows a September 29, 2026, order from the Sikkim High Court. The ban stops individuals, commercial units, industries, construction agencies, and local bodies from polluting state resources.

Waste dumping must end. Member Secretary Nima Wangdi Tamang directed stakeholders to cease discharging sewage, solid waste, construction debris, and other pollutants into jhoras, rivers, streams, drains, or springs. Every entity must now manage waste through proper collection and treatment methods that follow environmental laws.

Violators face severe consequences. The board warned that illegal dumping invites legal action under the Water Act of 1974, the Air Act of 1981, and the Environment Protection Act of 1986. The agency expects full compliance to protect the state's natural water sources. Officials urged citizens to report illegal activity, stating that "all concerned have been directed to make proper arrangements for the collection, treatment, disposal and management of waste in accordance with environmental laws and directions issued by competent authorities."