Ziro, Nov 1: A two-day state level workshop on solid and liquid waste management (SLWM) was inaugurated Nago Putu here on Thursday by PHE&WS Minister Wangki Lowang.
The workshop is aimed at firming up the sustainability of the state’s open defecation-free (ODF) status, drawing up roadmaps for SLWM, and addressing the challenges of plastic waste in the state.
Addressing the participants, Lowang said, “A change in our mindset is the need of the hour to ensure success of all the initiatives under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBM). A shift from the lackadaisical cleanliness attitude towards a more responsive one alone can revolutionize the entire process.”
Terming waste disposal the major hurdle faced by the waste management system, Lowang called for brainstorming during the workshop to chalk out a way to dispose of wastes effectively.
He advocated the use of locally produced eco-friendly items instead of styrofoam and plastic plates and cups during functions to reduce the plastic burden on earth.
Touching on the issue of water scarcity in Ziro valley, Lowang suggested implementing rainwater harvesting. “This would also help maintain the groundwater table level,” he said.
Local MLA Tage Taki suggested developing a common sewer system for Ziro-Hapoli township.
“This project will be viable in the land-crunched Ziro and will be sustainable, as it would help to generate biomass and biogas, and the treated water can be used for irrigation purposes,” he said.
Yachuli MLA Likha Saaya gave a clarion call for the Clean Arunachal campaign, and announced to make Yachuli one of the cleanest constituencies of the state.
Earlier, SBM Mission Director Sentum Yomcha made a PowerPoint presentation on SBM (G) activities in the state.
During the technical session, Sikkim Special Secretary Anil Raj Rai spoke on the ODF sustainability and the success story of his government’s sanitation activities under SBM.
Priya Shrestha from the World Wildlife Fund and Roshan Rai from Zero Waste Himalaya made presentations on zero waste management and plastic-free Himalayas.
Assam SBM (G) nodal officer Bhaskarjyoti Talukdar spoke about SLWM activities in his state. Later, field functionaries from various districts shared their experiences and success stories.
PHE&WS Commissioner Marnya Ete, SBM (G) Mission Director S Yomcha, PHE&WS CEs Tomo Basar (Eastern Zone) and Toko Jyoti (Western Zone), and Naharlagun PHE&WS SE Tayum Tok also attended the first day of the workshop. (DIPRO)
