West Bengal’s Waste Management Revolution: A Journey Towards Sustainability

sbmgramin

In the heart of West Bengal, a silent revolution is underway—one that’s transforming the way we handle waste across the state. From bustling districts to serene rural landscapes, communities are joining hands to tackle waste management head-on, ensuring cleaner surroundings and a healthier environment for all.

11 out of the total 22 district (including Purba Bardhhaman, Medinipur East & West, North 24 Parganas, Bankura, Nadia, Howrah, Purulia, Jalpaiguri ,Uttar Dinajpur , Hooghly ) have taken initiatives to manage rural waste to ensure community cleanliness. The goal is to instill a sense of community pride while ensuring cleanliness is not just a luxury, but a way of life.

At the forefront of this movement are innovative waste management units that have been set that are diligently working to turn biodegradable waste into valuable resources. Through the production of compost and vermi-compost, these units are not only reducing waste but also contributing to the sustainability of our programs. 

Total compost produced 52,227 Kg
Total compost sold 25,115 Kg
Total vermi-compost produced 24,863 Kg
Total vermi- compost sold 10,820 Kg

12 Solid Waste Management (SWM) units are working well in Bohar -I, Kota, Guskara-II Sarai, Daluibazar-II, Belkash, Kurmun-II, Abujhhati-I, Bhuri, Shyamsundar, Nimdoho and Shimulia in Purba Bardhhaman. 447 members from 86 SHGs are currently involved in solid waste management.

The waste management project in Kolaghat in Purba Midnapur not only focuses on waste removal but also is contributing to better management and pollution-free surroundings. Recently, they have started to manage commercial waste through collecting waste from the 48 hotels, which is located in between Digha to Mandarmoni. 15 tons of waste is managed every month. The proposed PWM Unit emphasizes long-term sustainability, enhancing the region’s appeal for tourists.

Recently in Tarakeswar Block which is located in Hooghly district witnessed SWM Unit inauguration in Santoshpur GP and Baligori, involving esteemed officials like District Magistrate, Additional District Magistrate Zilla Parishad, Member of the Legislative Assembly, and others showcasing a comprehensive approach.

10 SWM Units and 1 PWM Unit were inaugurated in Tehatta-1, Nakashipara, and Krishnagar-2 Blocks in Nadia District,

36 SWM Unit are working excellent in Bankura district, SHGs are tagged with 20 SWM units that are sustainable and economically viable .

  • 16 SWM are working in North 24 Parganas Like Sindrani SWM Unit, Rajarhat SWM unit, Koniyara-II SWM unit, Kalinagar SWM unit where 17 SHGs are involved
  • 17 SWM Units are working good in Howrah District, some SHG members are involved in the SWM unit.
  • 10 SWM are working well in Purulia District like Jitujuri, Supudi, Barabazer, Anara, Manbazer, Tentlow, Shikrabad , Lakhra , Hura and Tuntuni Suisa SWM Unit. 89 SHG members are involved in the SWM unit, exemplifying the ongoing efforts to improve waste collection, segregation, and processing in Purulia district.
  • The initiatives in Nadia highlight the states proactive approach to waste management, emphasizing community involvement and sustainable practices that are creating a cleaner, healthier environment for residents and tourists.
  • SHG members are playing a pivotal role to manage solid waste. Many SHG members are working in the SWM /PWM unit as sanitation workers. They have been involved in waste collection, segregation & compost preparation. They are involved in operation and maintenance of SWM unit and raising awareness among other SHG members and community people.  Total SHG members are involved in SWM- 5570

Impact of these initiatives is visible everywhere. But the journey is far from over. As the state continues to expand its efforts and engages more communities, they reaffirm their commitment to addressing environmental challenges and building a sustainable future for generations to come. Together, let’s turn waste into opportunity, one community at a time.

For more information, please contact: Pijush Adhikari (IEC consultant) State Sanitation Cell at pijushadhikary@gmail.com

Published by sbmgramin

Swachh Bharat Mission is India’s first mass movement for a clean nation. Launched on October 2, 2014, the Prime Minister’s flagship programme has made the issue of sanitation a national priority. The campaign seeks to make the country open defecation free by October 2, 2019, as a fitting tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary. We, at the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation manage the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), under which we are constantly working towards the improvement of cleanliness in rural India. Across the country, Swachh Bharat has become a massive movement led by people’s participation. We welcome you to our blog, where we have compiled some of the many many success stories of people's participation that we receive from the States and districts.

Leave a comment