GUWAHATI, Nov 3 � Students of the Assam Engineering College, in association with Care Assam (an NGO), recently organised a cleanliness drive to sensitize the youth towards responsible disposal of waste, stated a press release.
Sweeping of waste and open dumping or burning are not an eco-friendly option of waste disposal. Correct segregation of waste and putting the recyclable back into the cycle is an essential part of waste management. It is a major challenge in all the major cities in India as also in Guwahati to create new spaces for waste disposal. Awareness regarding segregation and minimising the waste at source could simplify waste disposal greatly and hence an urgent need.
The core objective was to identify self-motivated individuals, who would be imparted further training of the drive in waste management. The event was aimed to create a network of youth as stakeholders to the issue. Importance of forming eco clubs was stressed to enhance environmental values among youth and plantation of saplings were carried out to mark the occasion.
A dustbin, designed by Pradip Baishya, president of Care Assam and an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering Department, Assam Engineering College, was also displayed. The dustbin, made with locally available materials at low cost, has been designed to simplify waste segregation at source.
An apparatus for composting of food waste, designed by Sumana Das from Care Assam, was also demonstrated. The apparatus is made from terracotta, which could produce good quality manure at home without much effort.
Overall, the programme was a successful with a large turnout of students and people from nearby locality. There were over 70 students, faculties and members of Care Assam whose presence was encouraging in support of this burning issue. Several locale-specific issues have also come to light from individual interviews and data collection, which need to be dealt by respective stakeholders in near future to see some positive and visible change in this direction, the release added.
