JAMMU: A series of awareness workshops based on theme “Reduce & Reuse” regarding “Sanitary Waste Management” were organised by J&K Pollution Control Board, Jammu in collaboration with Cluster University, NGO, State Rural Livelihood Mission department, “Shri Mata Anandamayi Math” and radio partner 92.7 Big FM as publicity partner, to create awareness among women folk regarding sanitary hygiene and management of waste generated thereof.
These workshops were organized on the directions of B.M Sharma, Member Secretary, J&K SPCB and under supervision of Dr. Syed Nadeem Hussain, Regional Director, J&K SPCB. Three workshops were organized in city colleges, viz., Women College, Gandhi Nagar on 14th October, GGM Science college and Government college of Education, Canal road, Jammu on 15th followed by fourth and last workshop at Block Bhalwal, Panchayat Ghaink.
The workshops were based on “Reduce /Reuse campaign” regarding Sanitary Waste Management which is mandatory under Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 being specific type of waste which is to be treated as Biomedical waste in a common biomedical waste processing facility. In the absence of segregated collection of such waste for further treatment and keeping in view the need to reduce generation of disposable waste ( Sanitary waste comprises of plastic waste too), awareness was create as per guidelines issued by CPCB under SWM Rules, 2016.
Divisional Officer, Jammu North, Arshad Nazir Malik motivated Self Help Group ladies working under SRLM that in villages where use of sanitary pads is being promoted without any waste collection and management plan, promotion of such reusable products will be a boon to preserve the serene environment of villages.
Concerned Subject Matter Specialist from J&K SPCB, Anuradha, stressed on need to adopt reusable and environmental friendly innovative products being produced by many organizations in the country to deal with heaps of disposable waste that remains littered in drains, sewers or ends up in landfills mixed with other dry waste which is a cause of concern from environmental and health point of view.
Anju Bist, Co-director, Village Adoption Programme, Mata Amritanandamayi Math discussed in detail about the benefits of reusable pads being made by SHG ladies at Kerala which are not only environmental friendly but also far better than disposable sanitary napkins.
The awareness campaign was first of its kind based on least talked about issue and was fully publicized voluntarily by 92.7 Big FM with RJ Juhie recognized as ambassador for the same. Chairman, J&K SPCB, Suresh Chugh called upon all concerned departments to promote such behavior changing practices in the society to ensure effective waste management.