SMC launches waste-management internship programme for schools across Kashmir

Students to promote waste segregation, recycling and cleanliness in schools, communities

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 14: Commissioner, Housing & Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur, on Monday launched the Swachhata Internship Programme for schools across Kashmir Division, aimed at involving students in cleanliness, waste segregation and scientific waste management.

The programme was launched at Amar Singh College, Srinagar, in the presence of Commissioner Secretary Education Ram Niwas Sharma, who attended as the guest of honour, and Dr Devansh Yadav, Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0, Jammu & Kashmir.

The initiative has been launched by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education Kashmir, with support from Swaaha Resource Management Private Limited.

Students to undertake practical waste-management activities

Under the programme, students will participate in practical activities related to source segregation, recycling, composting, resource recovery, sanitation and community participation.

They will also be encouraged to conduct awareness activities in their schools and neighbourhoods and promote responsible waste-management practices among their families and communities.

The initiative aims to develop students as Swachhata Ambassadors, enabling them to carry the message of cleanliness and scientific waste management from schools to homes and local communities.

Focus on behavioural change

Speaking at the launch, Mandeep Kaur said cleanliness could not be left to municipal agencies alone and that people, particularly young students, needed to become active partners in the effort.

“Cleanliness cannot remain the responsibility of municipal agencies alone. It has to become a shared civic responsibility and schools have an important role in shaping that culture among the next generation,” she said.

She emphasised the need to move beyond awareness programmes and focus on sustained behavioural change in the way people handle waste and maintain cleanliness in their surroundings.

The programme will also provide students with opportunities to develop communication, leadership and public-speaking skills through activities related to waste management and cleanliness.

Waste-to-Art exhibition organised

A Waste-to-Art Exhibition was also organised on the occasion, showcasing sculptures and other artworks made from discarded materials by participants from different parts of the Valley.

The exhibition highlighted the possibilities of reusing waste materials and transforming discarded items into useful and creative products. It also promoted the message of reuse, recycling and resource recovery among students and visitors.

Officials, students attend launch

Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Fazlul Haseeb, senior SMC officers, heads of institutions, teachers, students from participating schools and other stakeholders attended the launch programme.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0 to increase citizen participation in scientific solid waste management and make Swachhata a regular part of everyday life.