TAWANG, Jul 2: The Tawang district administration on Thursday held a district-level meeting on solid waste management at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, with Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo chairing the proceedings.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioners Rinchin Leta (Tawang) and Tashi Dhondup (Lungla), Zilla Parishad Members Tenzin Monpa, Pema Tsering and Sonam Nordzin, representatives of the Indian Army, the ITBP, NGOs, students and Material Recovery Facility (MRF) operators from Jemeithang, Tawang and Lhou.
The programme began with a welcome address by ADC Rinchin Leta. A highlight of the meeting was speeches in the Monpa dialect by Tashi Yangzom of Government Secondary School, Bomba, and Gom Yutton of Government Higher Secondary School, Jang, winners of the district-level speech competition on waste management held last week.
ADC Tashi Dhondup highlighted the success of the community-led waste management initiative in Jemeithang, stating that collective public participation had significantly improved waste management practices in the area. He noted that the initiative had earned recognition from the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, who honoured former Circle Officer Deewan Mara with a Silver Medal. He also said the Chief Secretary had provided a vehicle for the Jemeithang MRF, while local MLA Tsering Lhamu had provided a vehicle for the Lungla MRF and other machinery for both facilities. He also acknowledged the contribution of NGO Further and Beyond in implementing the initiative.
MRF operator Chimi Yangzom shared Jemeithang's experience in community-led waste management, while operators Tashi Wangchu of Lhou and Thinlay of Tawang spoke about their achievements and the challenges in implementing sustainable waste management systems.
Addressing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo described the Jemeithang MRF as a model of community-driven waste management and urged Zilla Parishad and Panchayat leaders to replicate similar initiatives across their respective blocks.
She observed that waste was still being dumped without proper treatment in many areas and stressed the need to adopt scientific and sustainable waste management practices. Reaffirming the administration's commitment to a cleaner and plastic-free Tawang, she said the ban on single-use plastics and drinking water bottles below two litres was being strictly enforced. She added that regular inspections at the Jang entry point and surprise enforcement drives would continue to ensure compliance.
Speaking on the occasion, ZPMs Tenzin Monpa and Pema Tsering appreciated the presentations made by the students and assured full support in strengthening waste management efforts in their respective areas. They also proposed the formation of committees at different levels to monitor and implement waste management initiatives effectively.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by ADC Rinchin Leta, who reaffirmed the district administration's commitment to building a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Tawang through collective community participation. (DIPRO)