Awareness Programme on Solid Waste Management and Ban on Single-Use Plastic Begins in Tawang

Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh): A four-day long awareness programme on Solid Waste Management and the ban on single-use plastic carry bags commenced this afternoon at the Old Market Community Hall, organized by the Department of Urban Development (UD), Tawang, in collaboration with the District Administration, Women Welfare Association (WWA), Market Welfare Committee and Clean Tawang Task Force.
The event began with a welcome address by Executive Engineer Phurpa Lamu, who emphasized the importance of the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. She also informed the gathering about sanitation charges soon to be levied on shops and

hotels based on their categories, encouraging stakeholders to manage their waste responsibly.
Assistant Commissioner-cum-Town Magistrate Sangey Norbu appealed to the attendees to minimize the use of plastic for the sake of future generations. Highlighting the ongoing celebration of the 90th Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he described 2025 as the “Year of Compassion,” urging citizens to align their actions with compassionate and environmentally conscious behavior. He stressed the importance of behavioral change in protecting the environment and called upon businessmen, especially those from outside the region, to treat Tawang as their second home and act in its best interest.
The AC also informed participants about the penalties to be imposed on shop owners who fail to segregate waste properly. He underlined the dignity of sanitation workers and called for respectful and responsible waste disposal by the community.
Yangkey Lhamo, an active member of WWA Tawang, shared insights into their long-standing efforts in plastic segregation and waste management. Drawing inspiration from the children of Jhamtse Gatsal School, Lungla, she praised the innovative ways in which the students reuse plastic waste. She encouraged the market community to hand over properly segregated plastic waste to the WWA and acknowledged the contributions of Shyo Village, Mandrelling, and Changbu residents for their cooperation and support.
The programme aims to spread awareness across all four major markets and the Tawang Monastery, with the campaign culminating on July 25, 2025.