TAWANG : A district-level meeting on solid waste management held here on Thursday resolved to strengthen community participation and promote scientific waste management practices across Tawang district.
The meeting, chaired by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioners Rinchin Leta and Tashi Dhondup, Zila Parishad members, representatives of the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), non-governmental organisations, students and Material Recovery Facility (MRF) operators.
A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Lungla Additional Deputy Commissioner Tashi Dhondup on the community-led waste management initiative in Jemeithang, which has emerged as a successful model through active public participation. He highlighted the support extended to the initiative by the state government and local stakeholders, and acknowledged the contribution of the NGO Further and Beyond in its implementation.
Material Recovery Facility operators from Jemeithang, Lhou and Tawang also shared their experiences, achievements and challenges in implementing sustainable waste management practices.
Addressing the gathering, Angmo described the Jemeithang initiative as a model worthy of replication and urged Zila Parishad and Panchayat leaders to promote similar community-driven initiatives in their respective areas.
She observed that waste was still being disposed of without proper treatment in many places and stressed the need to adopt scientific waste management practices. Reiterating the district administration’s commitment to a cleaner and plastic-free Tawang, she said the ban on single-use plastics and drinking water bottles below two litres would continue to be strictly enforced through regular inspections and surprise checks.
The meeting also featured speeches by winners of the district-level waste management speech competition, who highlighted the importance of environmental conservation and responsible waste disposal.
Zila Parishad members assured the administration of their support and suggested the formation of committees at different levels to strengthen implementation and monitoring of waste management initiatives. (DIPR)
