With an effort to address the waste management issue, ‘Project Tsang-da’ under RURBAN mission celebrated the first anniversary on December 13 at Solid Waste Segregation Centre, Choglamsar.

So far 65,000kg waste collected from the Choglamsar, Nubra, Nimoo and Khaltsi Solid Waste Segregation Centre.  Out of which 27,000 kg waste has been sold to rag pickers and 17,000 kg reused by Rural Development Department in making waste bricks for fuel purposes, waste glasses in construction, egg trays and thermocol for insulation, etc.

Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, CEC,chief guest expressed gratitude to Avny Lavasa, DC for her initiative in starting the project Tsang-da ensuring a long-term benefit, the staff of Rural Development Department headed by ACD, Leh for their efforts and effective delivery mechanism in running the project and public for their active participation and cooperation in achieving the goal of this project.

He stressed on implementation on reduce, reuse and recycle to address the issue of waste management at an individual household level. He said that along with keeping our houses clean, it is also our responsibility to ensure a clean environment.  He emphasised on people’s participation to strengthen the Tsang-da mission and its expansion in other parts of the district.

Avny Lavasa commemorated Late CEC, Dr. Sonam Dawa for his support on part of Hill Council in boosting this initiative since its beginning. 

She said that the one-year completion of this project is an opportunity to count the benefits and shortcomings. It’s an effort to increase awareness and look for better ways to improve and expand the project in other villages. 

She stressed the role of Panchayat in running Tsang-da project more effectively in villages ensuring better coordination and motivation among the people.  

She said that fee collection was a challenging task initially but with growing awareness and understanding among the public the project has also become a source of revenue generation for the department in running the project successfully.

Some beneficiaries also expressed their views about the challenges, shortcomings, benefit, and success of Tsang-da project in their areas. They expressed gratitude to Hill Council, Leh and DC, Leh for initiating the project to address the issue of waste management.

Phuntsog Dorjey, Councillor Phyang,  ACD Tsering Paldan, Panchayat Officer, BDOs, other district officers, Panchayat members, village gobas and representatives from Choglamsar, Nubra, Nimoo, Khaltsi and residents and shopkeepers of Choglamsar were present on the occasion.

Momentos were presented to village representatives from Nubra, Nimoo, Khaltsi and Choglamsar and staff of RDD in recognition of their active participation and efforts in making Tsang-da project meaningful and successful.