Palampur steps towards sustainability with new reduce, reuse, recycle centre

Palampur marked a major step towards environmental sustainability with the inauguration of a reduce, reuse, recycle (RRR) centre, aimed at tackling the region’s growing waste disposal challenges. The centre, located within the Palampur Municipal Corporation (MC) campus, was jointly inaugurated by local MLA Ashish Butail and Mayor Gopal Naag.

Ashish Sharma, Commissioner of Palampur MC, told The Tribune that the RRR initiative was developed in response to the increasing problem of residents dumping old clothes and reusable household items into traditional water channels or kuhals, which has led to blockages and harmed the region’s natural beauty.

He explained that the newly launched RRR Centre will serve as a collection point for local residents, including those living in nearby housing board societies, as well as students. People are encouraged to donate items such as clothes, books and shoes, which will be sorted by volunteers. Items still in good condition will be redistributed to individuals and families in need, while unusable items will be sent to recycling facilities. The centre will remain open for donations on all working days from 10 am to 5 pm.

MLA Ashish Butail spoke about the need to adopt environmentally conscious habits. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said, “There is no beauty in the finest cloth if it makes hunger and unhappiness,” highlighting how sustainability must be rooted in both compassion and responsibility. He added that the RRR Centre reflects Gandhiji’s vision of a society that respects its resources and reduces waste wherever possible.

Beyond simply managing waste, the centre is expected to have far-reaching impacts on the community. By reducing the amount of waste ending up in landfills and local water bodies, the centre will help minimise pollution and preserve Palampur’s ecological balance. Encouraging the reuse of everyday items will also reduce the demand for new products, conserving natural resources and energy. Recycling the remaining materials ensures that nothing of value goes to waste.

Importantly, the centre also carries a strong social message. Through the redistribution of essential items, it aims to support underprivileged members of society while fostering a culture of sharing and sustainability.