GUWAHATI: In a significant step towards sustainable waste management, HDFC Bank, in collaboration with the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), has unveiled a state-of-the-art Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Adabari, Guwahati.
The MRF, a component of HDFC Bank Parivartan’s “Rural & Urban Landscape: Free of dry & plastic waste” project, utilises cutting-edge technology to efficiently sort waste and recover valuable resources from mixed waste streams.
The inauguration ceremony was conducted digitally by Ashok Singhal, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, alongside key dignitaries including Mrigen Sarania, Mayor of Guwahati, Smita Roy, Deputy Mayor of Guwahati, and Megha Nidhi Dahal IAS, Commissioner of GMC.
Minister Singhal commended HDFC Bank and CEE for their systematic, process-driven approach to solid waste management, highlighting its multifaceted benefits including enhanced inclusivity, optimised expenditures, job creation, and integration of the informal sector into the formal workforce.
Echoing similar sentiments, Dahal highlighted the project’s significance in propelling Guwahati towards a sustainable and circular economy, aligning with India’s aspirations to achieve a net-zero position by 2070.
Furthermore, Sodhi stressed on the manifold benefits of operational efficiencies at the MRF, including waste volume reduction, cost savings, decreased plastic burning, reduced carbon emissions, and improved income for waste collectors.
The project, compliant with the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 and its amendments, encompasses the segregation and valorisation of various types of dry waste, particularly plastics.
Advanced machinery including conveyors, air blowers, shredders, grinders, and bailing machines have been installed to facilitate efficient operations at the MRF.
The collaborative endeavour also involves Shrishti Waste Management Services Pvt. Ltd. as the appointed service provider for the MRF.
The digital inauguration also witnessed the participation of GMC officials, Ward Councillors, district authorities, and representatives from HDFC Bank, CEE, and Shrishti Waste Management Services (SWMS).
This initiative builds upon HDFC Bank’s successful collaboration with UNDP India to establish a Swachhta Kendra (MRF) in Greater Noida, aiming to replicate its success and establish a scalable model for sustainable waste management in Guwahati.
