Chandigarh, May 21 -- The Chandigarh administration has warned of penalties for non-segregation, littering and open burning while widening the definition of "bulk waste generators" under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. The move aimed at fixing the city's waste crisis.

The warning was given during the first meeting of the state-level committee on waste management, chaired by chief secretary H Rajesh Prasad, where officials stressed that enforcement would now go hand-in-hand with public participation.

A key shift under the new rules is the expanded net for bulk waste generators (BWGs). Apart from those producing over 100 kg of waste daily, entities consuming 40,000 litres or more of water per day or occupying over 20,000 sq m area...