Waste management awareness at rural-level: Special teams formed

The Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad is determined to make Solid Waste Management (SWM) a success in rural areas. Though the system has already commenced in the Gram Panchayats, lack of awareness is hindering its success.

With the aim of solving the issue, the Parishad has formed ‘Motivator Teams’ for each Gram Panchayat.

These teams will visit each house and inform people about the segregation of organic and inorganic waste.

“It is essential to segregate the wet and dry waste. Villagers do not have an idea about it. We have made the teams who will work on spreading this awareness,”said Arun Ghosh, the Sabhadhipati of Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad.

Solid waste management is being introduced in each Panchayat of the Mahakuma Parishad. The project will cost Rs 30 crore.

Garbage collection from houses have already been started in 12 Gram Panchayat areas. Out of these, garbage processing plants have been established in four Gram Panchayats.

However, before launching the SWM project in full swing, this initiative has been taken up to make people aware of the basics of waste management to make the project a success.

Arun Ghosh further said: “Members of self-help groups, representatives of voluntary organisations, young people of village areas are being involved in the motivators’ team.

The Supervisor of the Vector Control Disease (VCD) team, Assistants of Panchayat construction and block Joint Executive Officers will monitor the team’s work. It will help people to understand as to what they should do to make the SWM project successful.’’

The members of the motivators’ team are being given training. After the training, everyone will start the work. “The aim is to make the project a success,” Ghosh added.