Sonowal calls for cleaner Assam

Guwahati, Aug 11: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal pitched for a clean Assam in sync with the Prime Minister's Swacch Bharat Mission.

Releasing a book 'Not in My Backyard' on the Solid Waste Management in Indian Cities here, Sonowal said, "We are going through a tough time as waste production in the country is very alarming.

In view of this, we need to inculcate the habit of cleanliness in all our daily ventures." The book was published by Delhi based NGO, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

Acknowledging the role of CSE in creating awareness on cleaner and greener environment, Sonowal said CSE should play the role of force-multiplier for setting an agenda for a robust solid waste management.

Emphasising the need for generating awareness among inhabitants for judicious waste management at home and segregation of waste materials, he stressed on the need for involving civic bodies in creating an atmosphere where solid waste management becomes a core issue for municipal management.

The Chief Minister presented certificates to the Mayors of Gangtok and Aizawl in recognition to their role in waste management. CSE Deputy Director General, Chandra Bhushan, said,"This book started as a survey to simply find out which is India's cleanest city, and what makes it so.

We knew that if we could find the answers to these questions, we will have the answers for future policy." On Solid waste management in the Northeast, Bhushan said the region currently produces about 1.0 million tonnes of waste annually with Assam accounting for about 40 per cent and Mizoram about 20 per cent.

"Segregation, processing, recycling and a policy to make cities zero landfill is the way ahead. That the hills cannot afford landfills should be a loud and clear message," he pointed out.

PTI