Agartala, the capital of Tripura, had been facing serious garbage problem. The total waste generation was 90 MT and it was not being possible to collect and transport even 1/3rd of the waste generation to the only dumping ground. About 30% of the solid waste found its way into the surface drain and even the garbage collection and temporary storage and transportation from market places was not satisfactory. This situation resulted in serious environmental hazards, including frequent floods, communicable diseases and smell nuisance. It was also felt that, with present financial, technical and managerial strength, this problem could not be solved. Keeping all this in mind, the project was undertaken to promote community participation in solid waste management in the selected area.

Project details:
Centre for Social Work and Research is a registered society based in Agartala, Tripura established in 1984. From its inception, it is a part of the organized People?s Science Movement and one of the founders of the All India People?s Science Network. The thrust areas of work are application of science for rural industrialization through development/adaptation/introduction of appropriate technologies, skill enhancement of artisans and other weaker sections of the society for the improvement of quality of life. The project aimed at tackling the collection, storage, transportation and disposal of solid waste in Agartala. The objectives of the project were:
? To improve the environment of Agartala city in terms of solid waste management and to assign responsibility to the citizens to ensure participation in waste management
? To make value added products out of waste and to ensure targeted wards as model wards under the Agartala Municipal Area
? To ensure sustainable income generation programme for garbage collectors.
For this, there was door-to-door collection of waste by private collectors who were provided with a pedal-tricycle. Citizen committees and community clubs were formed, who facilitated payment to the garbage collectors. Provisions to convert organic garbage to organic manure were also made. Even school children were motivated to participate in waste management activities in their own capacities.