Experts call for inclusion of solid waste management in school curriculum

IMPHAL — Experts have suggested developing a school curriculum on solid waste management to address the growing waste crisis in Manipur.

Speaking at the inaugural session of a two-day All India Seminar on “Solid Waste Management: Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future” on Friday, Manipur University Vice-Chancellor Prof. N Lokendra Singh said the time has come to integrate solid waste management into school education. “Awareness and education are key to building a sustainable future,” he emphasised.

The seminar was jointly organised by the Institution of Engineers (India), Manipur State Centre, in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Climate Change and the Department of Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD).

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Prof. Lokendra observed that a lack of proper planning in developmental works, coupled with growing encroachment of public land, has made Imphal overcrowded and unhygienic. He described the situation as a “menace” that requires urgent attention.

Dr. T Brajakumar, Director of the Department of Environment and Climate Change, said 27 urban local bodies generate about 300 metric tonnes of waste daily, of which only 200 tonnes are managed. The rest is dumped in landfills, causing severe environmental pollution.

Urging citizens to reduce waste generation and actively maintain cleanliness, Dr. Brajakumar called for responsible public participation in tackling pollution.

Delivering a talk on the policy and legal framework, MAHUD Director Ng Uttam Singh highlighted that solid waste collection in rural and hill areas remains almost nonexistent, stressing the need to instil ownership in waste management initiatives.