Marking a significant milestone in the journey towards a sustainable future, a two day Knowledge Sharing Workshop on Integrated Waste Management Practices (Waste to Wealth) was organised here today by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), in collaboration with the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) and the Regional Urban Development Agency (RUDA), in Jammu.
Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD), Mandeep Kaur, inaugurated the workshop. Chairman State Pollution Control Committee, Vasu Yadav, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), Devansh, Director Urban Local Bodies Jammu, Joint Commissioners, Sanitation staff of JMC, renowned experts, policymakers and more than 20 Executive Officers from various ULBs from across J&K were present on the occasion.
Various stakeholders from all over the country came together to discuss sustainable waste management strategies and explore innovative solutions for transforming waste into wealth on the first day of the workshop being held at Hotel Zone by The Park.
Commissioner Secretary shared how J&K has been steadily progressing in waste management from initial developing mechanism for collection and transportation to creation of processing facilities under SBM 2.0.
Mandeep Kaur broadly highlighted the achievements made by the department, so far. In order to ensure the easement rights of adjoining population, bio fencing of the MRFs/ processing of waste sites shall be done.
The bio remedial site at Bhagwati Nagar shall be turned into botanical garden and same shall be replicated in other ULBs across the UT, she added. She emphasized upon the participant officers to work tirelessly and ensure proper disposal of waste as per govt. policy by the end of 2025.
Chairman State Pollution Control Committee shared his views to collaborate with Urban Local Bodies for enforcing of Pollution Control laws. He stated that lot of improvement in waste disposal is done over the years and hoped to work in coordination with HUDD & Rural Development Department to save the rich aesthetic, wonderful climate of J&K.
Commissioner JMC also holding the charge of Mission Director SBM stated that recently an agency for IEC activities in whole of the union territory has been empanelled which will be visiting the ULB's.
The officers should utilize their services in effective management of waste and enhancing community participation in the Swachhta campaign through Janbhagidari. Consultants and Project Management Units for the solid waste water management shall be hired centrally and they will be helping the ULB's to evolve a mechanism of waste disposal, he added.
Various experts from across the country delved into sustainable business models for solid waste management, emphasising the importance of multi stakeholder collaborations. Case studies from Kerala and Baramati illustrated successful initiatives in dry waste management and circular economy practices.
Presentations by start-ups showcased how technology and entrepreneurship are driving innovative solutions in plastic recycling and waste transformation. The workshop was a resounding success, offering participants valuable insights and actionable strategies for tackling waste management challenges.
The discussions set the stage for continued collaboration and innovation in the journey toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.