Meghalaya’s NEAU takes a scientific approach to waste management

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 23, 2023

Waste poses a significant challenge not only within the state but also on a national and global scale. The issue of mounting waste is particularly noticeable in the cities and towns of the state. However, amidst this growing concern, one institution in Meghalaya has taken proactive measures to address this challenge within its campus.

On Wednesday, the initiation of a groundbreaking waste management initiative took place at North Eastern Adventist University (NEAU), marking a first-of-its-kind endeavor in the state. In collaboration with the Society of Urban and Rural Empowerment (SURE) and with support from Swachh Bharat Mission Urban, Shillong, NEAU conducted a comprehensive waste characterization on its campus.

The characterization, carried out by university volunteers under the guidance of experts such as Wompher Shadap Subject Capacity Building Specialist, SBM Urban PMU, Urban Affairs Department, Shillong and Sharon Syiem MBA Waste Management and Shantilang Diengdoh of Infinity Solution, Niwanka Shylla, Banisha Lamar, Marleki Dhar and Isakani Susngi from SURE aimed to establish a baseline understanding of the types and quantities of waste generated at the university.

Wompher Shadap, emphasizing the importance of waste characterization, highlighted that it is a necessary step to inform interventions in waste management. The study’s findings will guide the university in determining the appropriate strategies to effectively manage waste on its premises. The characterization process is seen as a scientific approach, providing essential data for future waste management interventions.

Job Kawlni, a professor at the University who is in charge of the initiative, said that the waste used for characterization was collected from the selected quarters, the different hostels, kitchens of the hostels, and the cafeterias. The waste collected was generated in two days from these different units of the University. Job also said that the University has decided to start the management of waste on the campus, and support from the Jowai Municipal Board was also sought by the University. 

The project, which started with an awareness campaign on May 4, where Wompher Shadap of SBM, Urban Area, Shillong, and Dr. H.H. Mohrmen, Secretary of SURE, were the resource persons. The University then, under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor Dr Paul Bhaggyien and supported by Dr Jemima M. Marak, took a decision to embark on this important project with the support of the two partner organizations.

Dr. H.H. Mohrmen shared that the plan includes the establishment of a small Waste Recovery Centre (WRC) on the university campus, with the university administration ready to allocate a plot of land for this purpose. SURE expressed satisfaction in partnering with the university on this crucial initiative, considering it a pilot project that could serve as a model for waste management in other gated communities.

The commitment to this project was evident in a training session conducted on November 17 for university volunteers and SURE staff, further solidifying the collaborative effort towards effective waste management.