Training on sustainable urban practices

A district-level training session was held today for representatives from all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of Solan district. Trainers from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), India, provided insights into various aspects of sustainable development.

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The trainers, Drimson Fernandes, Pallas Chandel and Dr Harkanchan Singh, covered a range of topics, including solid waste management rules, an introduction to climate change and carbon markets, effective information, education and communication strategies, and behaviour change.

The training delved into various aspects of solid waste management, such as source segregation, collection and transportation, handling safety and hygiene, dry waste processing, material recovery facility operations and the extended producer responsibility mechanism. These topics were discussed to help members implement efficient waste management practices. The importance of proper organic waste management, including composting, biomass and other methods, as well as dumpsite remediation, was also emphasised to ensure scientific waste management, which has become a significant concern in urban local bodies.

Representatives from all ULBs in Solan district attended the session, including the Mayor, Commissioner and Councillors of the Solan Municipal Corporation, Assistant Engineers (AEs), Junior Engineers (JEs), Sanitary Inspectors and Ward Supervisors. Ekta Kapta, Commissioner of Solan Municipal Corporation, informed that this initiative is part of the Swachh Shahar Samridh Shahar campaign, which focuses on promoting cleanliness, sustainability and prosperity in urban areas. This capacity-building initiative is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of the ULB representatives in effective waste management, sustainable urban development and urban governance. The ultimate goal is to contribute to a cleaner, greener and more sustainable district, the Mayor added.

GIZ, a global leader in economic cooperation and sustainable development, operates in over 130 countries. Solan comprises two municipal corporations — Solan and Baddi — along with municipal councils in Parwanoo and Nalagarh, and nagar panchayats in Arki and Kandaghat. The district also has three cantonments in Subathu, Kasauli, and Dagshai.