A seminar on waste management and circular economy was organised by Synod College, Shillong yesterday which was attended by President of the International Society of Waste Management Air and Water, Prof SK Ghosh.
During his keynote address, Ghosh highlighted how waste has destroyed water bodies, soil and the atmosphere and waste management as a tool to safeguard the environment for a sustainable life. He said the first responsibility with regard to waste management is to understand the production or creation of waste and how to it has the potential to generate new resources.
He also spoke about the EPC2 model that essentially focuses on how reuse of waste materials is important as that helps in reducing the need to extract more resources which in turn reduces the strain that we put on the environment.
The concept of a circular economy was also introduced to the participants as it seeks to build a scenario where products are used for a much longer period of time while also ensuring positive outcomes whereby it helps the economy by generating employment, ensures sustainable development, while also adding the possibility of future economic opportunities.
Executive Engineer of the Shillong Municipal Board, F.B. Chyne spoke about the important role that legislation plays to stem the tide of unregulated waste dumping.
Environmental Engineer of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, S. Syiem informed about the initiatives taken up by the government to ensure proper waste management in the Shillong Municipal area. He highlighted both the challenges faced as well as the opportunities and victories that have been achieved through community participation.
Headman of Moolamylliang village, Apmon Pachiang highlighted how the village recovered from the ravages caused by rat-hole coal mining and turned picturesque with lush green grasses and beautiful alleys with the guidance of Ghosh.
Earlier, Ghosh visited Mairang Presbyterian Science College and Synod College, Nongstoiñ to inaugurate the waste management projects on September 28. He also visited the dumping ground at Marten.
