Gangtok Municipal Corporation Launches ‘WOW GANGTOK`– War on Waste’ at Lal Bazar
Gangtok, February 19, 2026: The Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) formally launched its flagship cleanliness and waste-management drive, “WOW – War on Waste,” today at Lal Bazar, marking a decisive step towards strengthening solid waste management, public awareness, and enforcement mechanisms in the city.
The programme was graced by the Hon’ble Minister, Urban Development Department (UDD), Bhoj Raj Rai, as the Chief Guest, and Hon’ble MLA, Gangtok, D. N. Burfungpa, as the Special Guest. The event was also attended by Hon’ble Mayor Nell Bdr Chettri, Hon’ble Deputy Mayor Tshring Palden Bhutia, Advisor GMC, Chairman of the Drivers’ Association, Councillors of GMC, Secretary UDD, Project Director SBM (Urban) UDD, Municipal Commissioner, Superintendent of Police Gangtok, officers of UDD & GMC, Presidents of various organisations, NSS volunteers led by Tsheten Sir, and members of Team GMC and GNS.
The programme commenced with a comprehensive overview of the WOW – War on Waste initiative by Municipal Commissioner Gary Chopel, outlining its objectives, strategy, and phased implementation plan. This was followed by an IEC (Information, Education and Communication) awareness session on the responsibility of waste generators delivered by Tsewang Bhutia, SBM GMC, emphasising source segregation, citizen responsibility, and behavioural change.
Minister’s Address
In his address, Bhoj Raj Rai declared the formal launch of the “War on Waste” and called upon citizens to treat waste management as a shared civic responsibility rather than solely a municipal function. He emphasised that sustainable urban development begins with disciplined waste segregation at source and active public cooperation.
The Hon’ble Minister stated that Lal Bazar Ward will be thoroughly targeted from today under the WOW initiative, and that the Corporation will adopt a firm and structured approach combining awareness drives, intensive cleaning operations, and strict enforcement. He highlighted that this initiative represents not just a campaign, but a determined movement towards accountability, environmental responsibility, and improved public health.
He further remarked that the “War on Waste” is a war of wisdom — requiring informed choices, responsible behaviour, and collective participation from every stakeholder — and assured full support from the Urban Development Department to ensure its successful implementation.
Implementation Strategy
As part of the initiative:
21 dedicated teams, led by Engineers of GMC, have been deployed for extensive outreach and monitoring.
GMC & GNS Safai Mitras will undertake intensive cleaning operations in addition to routine duties.
Focused awareness generation and enforcement actions will be carried out simultaneously.
The drive will follow a systematic ward-level intervention model, ensuring measurable and visible transformation.
The WOW – War on Waste initiative aims to transform waste management into a people’s movement, reinforcing accountability at every level — from waste generators to service providers — and moving Gangtok towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable urban environment.
AREA / WARD VISIT PLAN – 2026
WOW – WAR ON WASTE
(Gangtok Municipal Corporation)
February 2026
19-02-2026 – Lal Bazaar Ward
20-02-2026 – Lal Bazaar Ward
24-02-2026 – Development Area
25-02-2026 – Tibet Road
27-02-2026 – Ranipool
28-02-2026 – Ranipool
March 2026
04-03-2026 – Tathangchen
05-03-2026 – Burtuk (Upper)
09-03-2026 – Burtuk (Lower)
10-03-2026 – Chandmari
12-03-2026 – Upper Sichey
13-03-2026 – M.G. Marg
19-03-2026 – Arithang
20-03-2026 – Arithang
25-03-2026 – DPH
26-03-2026 – Lower Sichey
April 2026
09-04-2026 – Bojoghari
10-04-2026 – Pani House
16-04-2026 – Deorali
17-04-2026 – Lingding
23-04-2026 – Tadong
24-04-2026 – Dargoan
30-04-2026 – 6th Mile Tadong
PUBLIC APPEAL
Dear Citizens of Gangtok,
The WOW GANGTOK– War on Waste initiative is not just a municipal drive — it is a people’s movement. The success of this mission depends on your active cooperation and responsible participation.
We humbly request all residents, shopkeepers, institutions, and commercial establishments to:
Practice source segregation (wet, dry, sanitary, and domestic hazardous waste)
Hand over waste only to authorised collection teams
Avoid littering, dumping in jhoras, roadsides, and public places
Support enforcement teams during inspections
Encourage neighbours and communities to participate
Let us work together to keep Gangtok clean, hygienic, and environmentally sustainable.
Non-compliance and violation of waste management rules will attract penalties as per applicable regulations.
Clean Gangtok is Our Shared Responsibility.
Let us make WOW GANGTOK a grand success!
Gangtok Municipal Corporation
WOW – War on Waste Initiative. Gangtok Municipal Corporation
