Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 25 July 2024
In a significant step towards enhancing Solid Waste Management in the city, Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration, inaugurated the PBMC’s Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Brookshabad on 24th July 2024. This initiative, in collaboration with GIZ, saw the presence of key figures including Mr. Sudeep Rai Sharma, Chairperson of PBMC, Mr. Amit Kale, IAS, Secretary of PBMC, and Mr. Christian Kapfensteiner, Director of Sustainable Urban Development at GIZ-India. Senior officers from the A&N Administration, councillors, PBMC officials, and members of the general public also attended the event.
The inauguration featured a detailed demonstration of the waste-to-wealth processing units installed at the MRF, such as the phatka machine, plastic shredder, aglo maker, gatta machine, waste coconut shredding plant, and glass shredder units. These facilities aim to enhance waste segregation and boost the circular economy of the islands, creating indirect employment opportunities for the youth of Port Blair. The Chief Secretary emphasized that these advancements will significantly improve the efficiency of municipal solid waste management.
Mr. Keshav Chandra highlighted the positive impact the new MRF will have on the region’s waste disposal process and overall cleanliness. He noted that this initiative underscores PBMC’s commitment to sustainable urban development and serves as a model for effective waste management that other regions can follow. Additionally, he awarded Certificates to Sanitation Workers of PBMC for their exemplary efforts in maintaining cleanliness and presented ‘Swachhata Awards’ to several hoteliers for their efficient waste management practices. A bag of compost made by the Self Help Group ‘Sthree Hosla’ was also handed over to the Agriculture Officer for use in various parks of the Council.
Mr. Amit Kale, Secretary of PBMC, reiterated that the MRF aims to enhance the disposal and management of dry waste, such as plastics, glass, coconut shells, tetra packs, and PET bottles. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Safai Apnao Bimaari Bhagao (#SABB) campaign under the Swachh Bharat Mission, marking a significant stride towards promoting sustainable waste management practices in the region. He strongly encouraged residents to practice waste segregation at home, avoid littering, and use proper garbage disposal methods to help create a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant community.