Councillors See Waste Journey First-Hand, Call for Collective Responsibility in Keeping Port Blair Clean

Port Blair: Ever wondered what happens to your garbage after it leaves your doorstep? To find out, a team of municipal leaders—led by Ward No. 6 Councillor Azizur Rehman—went beyond official reports and conducted a hands-on “exposure tour” of the city’s high-tech waste management facilities. Timed with World Environment Day 2026, the visit gave leaders, engineers, and Safai Mitras a raw, first-hand look at the massive scientific operation keeping the island capital green.The delegation visited the Material Recovery Facility (MRF), where they observed the systematic process of collection, segregation, shredding and processing of solid waste. Particular attention was given to the handling of plastic waste, much of which would otherwise find its way into the fragile marine ecosystem surrounding the islands. Officials explained how segregated plastic waste is processed and transported to the mainland for recycling into useful products, highlighting the importance of source-level segregation in reducing pollution and conserving resources.The team also toured the Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP), where they learned about the scientific treatment of faecal sludge and wastewater through environmentally safe methods. The facility plays a critical role in protecting public health, preventing contamination and ensuring sustainable sanitation management in the city.Speaking after the visit, Councillor Azizur Rehman said the exposure programme helped municipal representatives understand the scale of infrastructure, manpower and technical expertise required to manage urban waste effectively. He observed that the experience reinforced an important lesson—that waste management is not merely the responsibility of civic authorities but a shared duty of elected representatives and every citizen.The team tracked the journey of solid waste through sorting, shredding, and processing.The Marine Threat: Engineers highlighted how strict segregation stops plastics from choking the islands’ fragile marine ecosystem.The Mainland Pipeline: Instead of rotting in landfills, sorted plastic is processed and shipped to the mainland to be recycled into brand-new products. Next, the delegation inspected how the city scientifically treats wastewater and sludge. This eco-friendly facility acts as Port Blair’s invisible shield, preventing groundwater contamination and protecting public health.It Starts at Home:nThis visit proved that waste management isn’t just a government job—it’s a shared civic duty,” said Councillor Azizur Rehman. He issued an urgent appeal to residents to:Ban single-use plastics entirely.Segregate waste at the source (in your own kitchen). Take ownership of the islands’ unique, beautiful ecosystem.