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SIVASAGAR: The ECO Club of Gargaon College organized a one-day workshop on ‘Vermicomposting, Solid Waste Management & Rainwater Harvesting’ in collaboration with NSS Unit and Department of Economics today. The workshop was supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, and implemented by the Assam Science, Technology, and Environment Council under the Environment Education Programme. The programme was started with the felicitation of the dignitaries and lighting of lamps. Dr. Sabyasachi Mahanta, acclaimed academician, columnist, and the principal of Gargaon College, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the pressing need to protect the environment amid alarming signs of climate change. Dr. Mahanta stressed the importance of raising awareness among citizens about effective solid waste management to maintain cleanliness and preserve ecological balance. Citing various instances of public negligence towards environmental well-being, Dr. Mahanta elaborated on the hazards posed by such practices and emphasized the necessity of adopting habits that are more conducive to environmental sustainability.
Dr. Rimjim Borah, Coordinator of the Eco Club, Programme Officer of the NSS Unit, and Head of the Department of Economics at Gargaon College, moderated the workshop and provided a comprehensive explanation of the Environmental Education Programme initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India. She emphasized the crucial role of Eco Clubs in schools and colleges in fostering environmental awareness, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging student participation in conservation activities. Dr. Borah also highlighted various initiatives undertaken by Eco Clubs, such as tree plantation drives, waste management programmes and awareness campaigns, underscoring their significance in shaping environmentally responsible citizens.
Amrit Kr Saikia, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Sivasagar District, was invited as a resource person to provide training on vermicomposting. Saikia thoroughly explained the methods, processes, preventive measures, and harvesting techniques involved in vermicomposting. Additionally, Saikia highlighted its benefits for waste reduction and organic fertilizer production. He also discussed the essential materials required for vermicomposting, including worms, bedding, and compostable materials.
Dr. Pakiza Begum, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, was invited as a resource person to provide training on solid waste management. Dr. Begum explained the concept of solid waste management, emphasizing its significance in educational institutions and communities. Dr. Begum discussed the different types of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, the role of students in waste management, the environmental impacts of solid waste, and various effective methods for its management.
Dr. Surajit Saikia, Coordinator of IQAC, was invited as a resource person to provide training on rainwater harvesting. He explained the concept of rainwater harvesting and its significance in water conservation. He discussed different types of rainwater harvesting systems, including rooftop and surface runoff harvesting, highlighting their benefits such as groundwater recharge, improved water availability, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Saikia elaborated on the key components of a basic rainwater harvesting system, including the catchment area, conveyance channels, storage units, and filtration mechanisms by giving practical examples of different success stories of India and China. Dr. Saikia demonstrated some audio-video clips regarding rainwater harvesting. Hands-on training was provided to all participants for the construction of vermicomposting bins as well as the preparation and maintenance of earthworms in various seasons. Hands-on training in waste management regarding the segregation of waste and converting waste to wealth was conducted by the NSS volunteers of Gargaon College.
Around 65 students from 10 schools, along with 14 Teachers-in-Charges, 30 NSS volunteers, and all teaching and non-teaching staff of Gargaon College, participated in the workshop. A few participants shared their experiences and interacted with the resource person. In the valedictory session, certificates were distributed by Dr. Sabyasachi Mahanta, Principal of Gargaon College; Prof. Diganta Konwar, Vice-Principal; and Amrit Saikia. The programme concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Rimjim Borah, Coordinator of Eco Club and Programme Officer of NSS Unit, Gargaon College.
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