Guwahati: In a significant step towards enhancing environmental sustainability and promoting scientific waste management practices, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has started a survey for the setting up of an integrated garbage treatment system (IGTS).
The survey is being conducted by IIT-Guwahati, under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with NFR. It will initially focus on two railway establishments in Guwahati.
NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that the IGTS would be implemented at NFR headquarters in Maligaon, near Guwahati, and Pandu Railway Colonies under the jurisdiction of the Lumding railway division.
IIT-Guwahati will provide technical consultancy and conduct extensive field studies to assess the feasibility, design and execution strategy of the proposed system, he said.
The initiative is expected to set a benchmark in smart and sustainable waste disposal across railway establishments, Sharma said.
A Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared upon completion of the field survey and submitted to NFR. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) will outline the necessary infrastructure, estimated costs, treatment methods, and implementation timelines for the proposed system.
The proposed integrated garbage treatment system would focus on segregation at source, scientific disposal of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, composting and recycling measures in line with Swachh Bharat Mission guidelines and national waste management protocols, the official said.
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This initiative aims to improve cleanliness, hygiene, and living conditions for railway employees and their families residing in these colonies.
It will also reduce the environmental impact of railway operations and help create a zero-waste colony model, Sharma added.