Science can help turn waste into wealth: Pawan

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan inspected the Solid and Liquid Resource Management (SLRM) demonstration, emphasising that scientific methods can transform waste into wealth by creatively reusing solid and liquid wastes, thus overcoming sanitation problems. An exhibition titled “Garbage to Gold” was organised by SLRM Project Director C Srinivasan to showcase the procedures for managing solid and liquid waste in villages and the products that can be derived from them. The Deputy CM inaugurated the exhibition on Saturday.
State Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Principal Secretary Sasibhushan Kumar, SLRM Project Director C Srinivasan, and Legislative Council Member P Hariprasad participated in the program. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan highlighted the challenges local organizations face in waste and sanitation management.
He noted that studies on solid and liquid waste management are being approached scientifically. The Deputy CM directed the Principal Secretary of Panchayat Raj and the Rural Development Department to organize a workshop with experienced experts on this subject. He suggested that representatives from various communities and self-help groups, along with Panchayati Raj representatives, should participate in this workshop. Pawan Kalyan believes that such workshops will raise awareness of waste management and increase the potential for creating wealth from garbage, ultimately generating employment opportunities and benefiting the environment.
During the event, Srinivasan explained the environmentally friendly procedures for waste management. He noted that burning leaves, branches, and dry garbage causes air pollution, but converting them into compost can provide valuable fertilizer. He urged local organizations to take appropriate measures in this regard.  As part of the Swachh Bharat program, Swachandhra Corporation in Jupudi near Ibrahimpatnam has undertaken sanitation initiatives followed by planting trees.
The market demand for vermicast produced through waste management was highlighted, and special attention to its production was recommended. Srinivasan emphasized the importance of vermicast in adding organic matter and nutrients to the soil and discouraged the use of non-recycled items.