Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) organised a ‘Swachh Bharat Nitol Goem Summit – Edition II’ in collaboration with Responsible Earth Foundation, at Agnel Institute of Technology and Design, Assagao, North Goa.
The primary aim of the “Swachh Bharat Nitol Goem Summit” was to foster insightful discussions, share valuable perspectives, and explore the emerging trends and challenges within the environmental sector.
Deputy Speaker & Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza; ex-India cricketer Ashish Nehra; Ramesh Verma (IAS) Secretary, Urban Development, Science, Technology & Waste Management; and Gurudas P. Pilarnekar, Director Of Municipal Administration, graced the occasion.
In his video message, Vishwajit P Rane – Minister for Health, TCP, Forest, Urban Development, Women & Child Development – said: “It is truly an honour to be a part of this summit which aims at promoting sustainable practices, waste management and achieving a plastic-free Goa. The significance of effective waste management cannot be overstated, as it lies at the heart of preserving our environment, safeguarding public health, and ensuring the long-term well-being of our communities. The mantra of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ should be at the forefront of our sustainable strategies. Reducing waste at the source through conscious consumption, reusing items whenever possible, and recycling materials to divert them from landfills are all important steps we can take. Through our collective efforts, we can ensure that the beauty of Goa and our planet remains untarnished for generations to come.”
Joshua D’Souza said: “If we want to protect our environment and keep it free from the toxic elements present in waste then we need to practice the act of waste management. A key aspect of sustainable waste management is the empowerment of Safai karmacharis, the heroes who work tirelessly to keep our surroundings clean. These individuals, often underappreciated, play an important role in maintaining the cleanliness of our cities and towns. By providing them with support, dignity, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, we not only enhance their quality of life but also strengthen the fabric of our communities.”
The summit sparked discussions revolving around pivotal themes such as climate change, sustainability, and capacity-building programmes aimed at enhancing urban and rural infrastructure development and sanitation.
A felicitation ceremony was also held at the hands of Ashish Nehra to honour the Safai karmacharis from all over Goa, who work to keep our streets and neighborhoods clean.
Arushi Sana, Founder of NYK daily Magazine & Sustainability Consultant, shed light on the historical significance of sustainability in Indian culture. Shrigopal Jagtap, Founder & CEO of Shrishti Waste Management Services Pvt. Ltd, spoke about the door-to-door segregated waste collection and behaviour change.
Clinton Vaz, Founder of Vrecycle spoke on Segregate: The Magic Mantra and thereafter Gaurav Pokle, Founder & CEO of YIMBY, enlightened those present on choosing the right technology for medium and bulk waste generators. Wilma Rodrigues, Founder & CEO of Sahaas Zero Waste talked about the importance of a business model for sustainable waste management.
Guest Speaker and Special Guest, Ashish Nehra said: “Garbage is a pressing issue in the state of Goa, where the natural beauty often stands in contrast to the growing problem of waste accumulation. It is important that we cultivate a strong sense of environmental awareness among the youth and emphasise the critical importance of waste management practices in Goa. Together, we must try to transform Goa into a shining example of how waste management can lead to cleaner streets, healthier ecosystems, and a more sustainable future.”
The summit ended with the ‘Swachh Bharat Nitol Goem Awards’ wherein the awards were given to Rajesh Fadte, Ponda Municipal Council for Best Municipal Engineer for Waste Management Practices; Corporation of the City of Panaji for Best ULB Material Recovery Facility (MRF), Mapusa Municipal Council for the Best ULB Wet Waste Treatment Facility, Bicholim Municipal Council for the SBM Urban Cleanest City and Ponda Municipal Council for the Best ULB for Generating Bulk Waste.
