Tezu, Oct 21: A meeting of the Governing Body and Bye-Laws Committee of the District Urban Development Agency (DUDA), Tezu, was held today at the DC Conference Hall under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner-cum-Chairman, DUDA Tezu, Kesang Ngurup Damo.
While addressing the members, the DC emphasised the importance of source segregation at home, stressing that behavioural change and civic sense are crucial for maintaining cleanliness in Tezu. He urged all governing members to visit the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) to assess its present condition and functioning. The DC directed that regulatory enforcement drives against the use of single-use plastics and for ensuring hygienic market conditions should be conducted twice a week. He reiterated that keeping Tezu clean demands teamwork and inter-departmental coordination among all stakeholders. The DC also welcomed two newly appointed APPSC officers with token of appreciation and called upon all officers to continue their collaborative efforts in maintaining a clean and healthy township environment.
A brief introduction was given by Er. Bapenlu Kri, Executive Engineer-cum-Member Secretary, highlighting that DUDA functions under the Urban Development Department as the implementing and coordinating body for various urban development activities within the district.
A PowerPoint presentation was delivered by the EE-cum-Member Secretary, highlighting the working module of waste management in Tezu Township. The presentation began with a map showing the 24 wards and 126 stoppage points of Tezu Township. Each ward has a designated mentor (Government Officer), a Youth Ambassador, and a Self Help Group (SHG) responsible for supervising and supporting waste management activities.
It was informed that Information, Education and Communication (IEC) announcements are carried out every Tuesday. The IEC messages focus on the implementation of Waste Management Bye-Laws, collection of user fees, fines and penalties, citizens’ responsibilities, and the promotion of home composting and source segregation. Regarding waste processing, it was explained that after collection from all 24 wards, the waste is transported to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF). From there, recyclable materials are sold to scrap dealers. The monthly waste collection stands at approximately 138 MT, out of which 2.48 MT is processed, while about 135 MT remains unprocessed at the MRF. The unprocessed waste mainly consists of single-use plastics, old clothes, shoes, and e-waste, which are not accepted by scrap dealers due to lack of market demand. The EE-cum-Member Secretary also clarified that medical waste is not collected by DUDA and must be disposed of by the medical facilities themselves, as mandated by the Waste Management Bye-Laws.
The schedule of fines and penalties was also explained, along with the concept of Bulk Waste Generators and management of events and public gatherings. The role of the MRF in collection, sorting, and processing of waste was elaborated. A new initiative — construction of a Waste-to-Plastic Road at the MRF site — is currently under progress. The partial outsourcing of MRF operations was also discussed, wherein 60% of the revenue generated will go to DUDA and 40% to Feedback Foundation, which will assist in IEC activities, waste segregation, and sales of recyclables. It was noted that the MRF is currently operating manually, and installation of an external power supply has been proposed to improve efficiency. The assets under DUDA, such as Shopping Complex–I and II and the Working Women’s Hostel, were also mentioned.
During the discussion, a few field observations were highlighted: open defecation is being practised near the Power House boundary and the Veterinary Milk Booth area, hence, demolition of the milk booth was recommended. The Meat and Fish Market area lacks proper drainage, requiring necessary intervention.
RFO Tezu suggested that businessmen and shop owners, as sources of single-use plastics, should be included in governing meetings to ensure ground-level implementation. It was also recommended to make it mandatory for shopkeepers to maintain at least one dustbin for waste collection. DIPRO

 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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