DAPORIJO, Jun 12: In a significant step towards building a cleaner, healthier and environmentally sustainable township, the Upper Subansiri District Administration on Friday organised a stakeholders' consultation meeting for the formulation of a Sustainable Solid Waste Management Policy for Daporijo township.
Held at the conference hall of the TCS Heritage Building, the meeting brought together elected representatives, Govt officials, heads of departments, educational institutions, community-based organisations, market associations, security forces and civil society groups to deliberate on a long-term roadmap for effective waste management in the township.
The programme was facilitated by resource persons from ‘Further & Beyond Foundation’, who shared insights on sustainable waste management practices, circular economy approaches, waste segregation, recycling mechanisms, and successful community-led models implemented in different regions.
A key highlight of the consultation was a presentation by Dulle Pai, who shared his experiences in transforming waste management practices in Ziro through community participation and institutional collaboration. He outlined how sustained efforts and collective action helped transform Ziro from being one of the state's least-performing towns in waste management into a nationally recognised model for cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
Pai emphasised that strong community ownership, active citizen participation, Govt support and consistent awareness campaigns were crucial to the success achieved in Ziro. He expressed confidence that Daporijo could replicate similar achievements through collective commitment and effective implementation of waste management initiatives.
The consultation focused on identifying local challenges, exploring opportunities for improvement, defining stakeholder responsibilities and developing a practical roadmap for sustainable waste management in the township.
Addressing the gathering, local MLA Taniya Soki lauded the initiative and assured full support for the successful implementation and future expansion of the project. He stressed that environmental sustainability is a collective responsibility and called upon all sections of society to actively participate in keeping Daporijo clean and healthy.
Advocating the principle of "Segregation at Source," the MLA said effective waste management begins at the household, institutional and commercial levels. He urged citizens to separate biodegradable, recyclable and non-recyclable waste at the point of generation, describing it as the cornerstone of a sustainable waste management system.
Soki further stated that the success of the proposed policy would depend on community participation, public awareness and collective ownership. He assured stakeholders that all necessary support would be extended to ensure the long-term success of the initiative.
During the interaction, several participants appreciated the developmental initiatives undertaken in the constituency and acknowledged improvements in public infrastructure, including road development works in Polo Colony and Sigin Colony, which have enhanced connectivity and convenience for local residents.
The meeting also underscored the central message of the proposed policy: "Segregation at Source", emphasising that every household, institution, market and office has a vital role to play in protecting the environment and ensuring a cleaner, greener Daporijo.
The consultation concluded with a collective pledge from stakeholders to work together towards transforming Daporijo into a model township for sustainable waste management. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting environmental stewardship, responsible waste disposal and community-driven solutions for the benefit of future generations. (DIPRO)