News & Announcement
Urban Development Department Strengthens SHGs’ Role in Promoting Sustainable Waste Management
Namchi, July 16 (IPR): A one-day workshop on Solid Waste Management for members of Self Help Groups (SHGs), organised under the aegis of the Swachh Sahar Abhiyan (SSA), was conducted by the Urban Development Department, Government of Sikkim, at the conference hall of the State Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PR), Karfectar, today.
The programme was graced by the Minister for Urban Development and Food & Civil Supplies Mr Bhoj Raj Rai as the Chief Guest, while MLA Salghari-Zoom and Advisor to the Transport and Skill Development Departments Mr Madan Cintury, attended as the Guest of Honour.
The workshop aimed to strengthen awareness and capacity among SHG members on scientific waste management practices, with a focus on promoting cleanliness, sustainability and community participation. The event highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in building a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Sikkim.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest underscored the importance of collective public participation in achieving the vision of Swachhata and ensuring cleanliness across every locality. He emphasised that widespread awareness of scientific waste management practices is essential for creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Sikkim.
He called for concerted efforts to minimise and eventually eliminate the use of single-use plastics, while encouraging the adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives during public functions and social gatherings. He also advocated reducing the use of traditional polyester khadas and other non-biodegradable products in favour of sustainable organic substitutes.
Highlighting the State Government’s continued commitment to environmental conservation, the Minister noted that extensive efforts have been undertaken to maintain cleanliness and enhance the aesthetic appeal of both urban centres and rural wards. He appealed to citizens to actively support these initiatives and contribute towards preserving the state’s pristine environment.
Referring to Sikkim’s remarkable growth in the tourism sector, he observed that the state’s clean surroundings remain one of its greatest strengths. He further suggested that awareness programmes be organised for driver associations to enable them to educate visitors on responsible waste disposal practices and the state’s environmental regulations during their travels.
Concluding his address, the Minister urged SHG members to serve as ambassadors of cleanliness by spreading awareness within their respective communities. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that volunteers undertaking cleanliness drives are equipped with appropriate safety gear and essential equipment.
In his address, the Guest of Honour, Mr Madan Cintury, highlighted the close relationship between environmental cleanliness and public health, stating that maintaining a hygienic environment is a shared responsibility. He observed that achieving lasting environmental change requires a positive shift in public mindset towards cleanliness and sustainable living.
He further encouraged the department to extend awareness campaigns to business establishments and entrepreneurs, enabling them to adopt effective waste management practices. Stressing the importance of household-level waste segregation, he noted that proper segregation significantly eases the work of sanitation personnel and improves the efficiency of waste management systems.
He also appealed to citizens to actively participate in cleanliness and plantation drives, thereby strengthening community-led efforts towards environmental conservation.
Secretary Urban Development Department Ms Yogeeta Rai, highlighted the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0. She described SHG members as the torchbearers of the cleanliness movement, expressing confidence that they would play a vital role in promoting hygiene and sustainable waste management practices across communities.
She stated that sustained efforts towards maintaining a clean and healthy environment would contribute significantly to realising the vision of “Sunaulo, Samriddha and Samartha Sikkim.” Concluding her address, she called upon every citizen to cooperate with the initiatives of the State Government and encouraged SHG members to continue advocating cleanliness and hygiene within their respective wards and localities.
The technical sessions featured a series of presentations and demonstrations by resource persons from various departments.
Special Secretary-cum-State Mission Director (Urban Development Department) Mr Jigmee Wangchuk Bhutia, delivered a presentation on the Swachh Bharat Mission, while MEO Jorethang Mr Dilip Dong, spoke on Waste Management Practices and Associated Challenges.
A session on Health and Hygiene was conducted by HEO, CHC Jorethang Mr Sanjay Rai, followed by a presentation on Composting Methods by Former OSD (RDD), Mr Sunil Pradhan. Inspector (UDD), Mr Lalit Dulal, elaborated on the Roles and Responsibilities of Self Help Groups, while Junior Scientific Assistant, State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Mr Gaychung Lepcha, delivered a presentation on the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.
Certificates of participation were presented to all SHG members who attended the workshop in recognition of their active participation.
Among those present were President (GNP) Ms Khina Maya Tiwari, Vice Chairperson (NMC) Ms Saraswati Sharma, Vice President (GNP) Mr Rinzing Bhutia, Panchayat (NJNP) Ms Uma Portel, Director (SIRD&PR) Mr Bishal Mukhia, Joint Secretary (UDD) Mr Kesar Singh Rai, MEO (Namchi) Mr Yogen Syangden, MEO (Soreng) Mr Gopal Sharma, ATPO (UDD) Ms Doma Bhutia, officials of the Urban Development Department, and participating SHG members.
The programme was graced by the Minister for Urban Development and Food & Civil Supplies Mr Bhoj Raj Rai as the Chief Guest, while MLA Salghari-Zoom and Advisor to the Transport and Skill Development Departments Mr Madan Cintury, attended as the Guest of Honour.
The workshop aimed to strengthen awareness and capacity among SHG members on scientific waste management practices, with a focus on promoting cleanliness, sustainability and community participation. The event highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in building a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Sikkim.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest underscored the importance of collective public participation in achieving the vision of Swachhata and ensuring cleanliness across every locality. He emphasised that widespread awareness of scientific waste management practices is essential for creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Sikkim.
He called for concerted efforts to minimise and eventually eliminate the use of single-use plastics, while encouraging the adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives during public functions and social gatherings. He also advocated reducing the use of traditional polyester khadas and other non-biodegradable products in favour of sustainable organic substitutes.
Highlighting the State Government’s continued commitment to environmental conservation, the Minister noted that extensive efforts have been undertaken to maintain cleanliness and enhance the aesthetic appeal of both urban centres and rural wards. He appealed to citizens to actively support these initiatives and contribute towards preserving the state’s pristine environment.
Referring to Sikkim’s remarkable growth in the tourism sector, he observed that the state’s clean surroundings remain one of its greatest strengths. He further suggested that awareness programmes be organised for driver associations to enable them to educate visitors on responsible waste disposal practices and the state’s environmental regulations during their travels.
Concluding his address, the Minister urged SHG members to serve as ambassadors of cleanliness by spreading awareness within their respective communities. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that volunteers undertaking cleanliness drives are equipped with appropriate safety gear and essential equipment.
In his address, the Guest of Honour, Mr Madan Cintury, highlighted the close relationship between environmental cleanliness and public health, stating that maintaining a hygienic environment is a shared responsibility. He observed that achieving lasting environmental change requires a positive shift in public mindset towards cleanliness and sustainable living.
He further encouraged the department to extend awareness campaigns to business establishments and entrepreneurs, enabling them to adopt effective waste management practices. Stressing the importance of household-level waste segregation, he noted that proper segregation significantly eases the work of sanitation personnel and improves the efficiency of waste management systems.
He also appealed to citizens to actively participate in cleanliness and plantation drives, thereby strengthening community-led efforts towards environmental conservation.
Secretary Urban Development Department Ms Yogeeta Rai, highlighted the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0. She described SHG members as the torchbearers of the cleanliness movement, expressing confidence that they would play a vital role in promoting hygiene and sustainable waste management practices across communities.
She stated that sustained efforts towards maintaining a clean and healthy environment would contribute significantly to realising the vision of “Sunaulo, Samriddha and Samartha Sikkim.” Concluding her address, she called upon every citizen to cooperate with the initiatives of the State Government and encouraged SHG members to continue advocating cleanliness and hygiene within their respective wards and localities.
The technical sessions featured a series of presentations and demonstrations by resource persons from various departments.
Special Secretary-cum-State Mission Director (Urban Development Department) Mr Jigmee Wangchuk Bhutia, delivered a presentation on the Swachh Bharat Mission, while MEO Jorethang Mr Dilip Dong, spoke on Waste Management Practices and Associated Challenges.
A session on Health and Hygiene was conducted by HEO, CHC Jorethang Mr Sanjay Rai, followed by a presentation on Composting Methods by Former OSD (RDD), Mr Sunil Pradhan. Inspector (UDD), Mr Lalit Dulal, elaborated on the Roles and Responsibilities of Self Help Groups, while Junior Scientific Assistant, State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Mr Gaychung Lepcha, delivered a presentation on the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.
Certificates of participation were presented to all SHG members who attended the workshop in recognition of their active participation.
Among those present were President (GNP) Ms Khina Maya Tiwari, Vice Chairperson (NMC) Ms Saraswati Sharma, Vice President (GNP) Mr Rinzing Bhutia, Panchayat (NJNP) Ms Uma Portel, Director (SIRD&PR) Mr Bishal Mukhia, Joint Secretary (UDD) Mr Kesar Singh Rai, MEO (Namchi) Mr Yogen Syangden, MEO (Soreng) Mr Gopal Sharma, ATPO (UDD) Ms Doma Bhutia, officials of the Urban Development Department, and participating SHG members.
