Guwahati, 22nd March: In a significant environmental milestone, Tinsukia district in Assam has achieved the distinction of becoming the first in the Northeast region to eliminate legacy waste through bio-mining. Initiated in 2023 by the Tinsukia District Administration in collaboration with five Municipal Boards – Tinsukia, Doomdooma, Digboi, Margherita, and Makum Municipal Board – the ambitious project aimed to make the district free from legacy waste.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, announcing the achievement on ‘X’ on March 22, highlighted the district’s contribution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mission LiFE. Through the project, a staggering 1.53 lakh metric tonnes of waste have been effectively treated, reclaiming over 30 acres of land for developmental projects.
Supported by Oil India Limited’s CSR fund, the initiative targeted legacy waste bio-mining, addressing the longstanding issue of foul odors and environmental concerns in the area. The project commenced with the bio-mining of legacy waste in Tinsukia and Makum Municipal Board areas, with 75,000 metric tonnes treated at the Tingrai dumpsite in Tinsukia alone.
Substantial progress has been made across other municipalities as well, with 18,000, 25,000, and 30,000 metric tonnes of waste treated in Doomdooma, Digboi, and Margherita respectively. This comprehensive waste management initiative aligns with the Assam government’s Green Agenda and adheres to guidelines set by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The project’s execution across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) is overseen by M/s Call And Fix, with Tinsukia District Commissioner Sri Swapneel Paul lauding the initiative’s success. Notably, over 80 bighas of land near urban centers in the district have been reclaimed through waste treatment, facilitating further development initiatives.
Moreover, an MOU signed with Dalmia Cement underscores the project’s sustainability, as Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) produced during the bio-mining process is utilized by cement factories. This collaborative effort positions Tinsukia as a model district in reclaiming land through the bio-mining of legacy wastes, setting a precedent for environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
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