Trishakti Corps Indian Army celebrated ‘ World Environment Day ’ with number of ‘Go Green Initiatives’ across North Bengal and Sikkim.
The highlight of the initiatives was the inauguration of a *‘Plastic waste management and Recycling plant’* in the border village of Changgu in East Sikkim. This visionary project, part of the Army’s Sadbhavana initiative is set to revolutionise waste management practices, promote environmental sustainability and provide substantial economic benefits to the local community.
Changgu, in East Sikkim is one of the main attractions for tourists & every day, thousands of tourists visit the area. Increasing amount of waste, especially plastic wastes are being produced by the footfall of such a large number of visitors. Currently, the plastic waste generated in the area is collected at RRC (Resource Recycling Centre ) once in 15 days and garbage was moved to dumping area at Burdang that involved travel of more than 90 km. There was an urgent need for a long term, sustainable environment friendly solution to the problem. Trishakti Corps, Indian Army stepped in, assessed the requirement and under ‘Operation Sadbhavana’, established the state-of-the-art Plastic Waste Management and Recycling Plant. The Shredder machine has capacity to shred 300 kgs/ hour of all kinds of plastic into minute particles which can then be mixed with Road construction material. The Bale press machine assembly – converts Shredded plastic into plastic bricks and has capacity of producing 8-10 Brick per hour. By efficiently sorting and recycling plastic waste, the plant will significantly reduce pollution, lessen landfill burden and prevent plastic debris from contaminating soil and waterways. The Plant embodies the principles of a circular economy, transforming discarded plastic into valuable raw materials for new products. A cornerstone of the Operation Sadbhavana, project is its impact on local livelihoods. By involving villagers in the plant’s operation, the project creates employment, income resilience and self-reliance. From waste collection and sorting to recycling and manufacturing, villagers are integral to every stage of valve chain, helping to lift communities.
The Indian Army is battling climate change with several environmentally sustainable initiatives, such as solid waste management, induction of electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell technology, and the construction of eco-friendly buildings and infrastructure. Indian Army launched *”Apashisht Mukt Sainya Abhiyan” (AMSA)* in October 2023 with the aim of making army landfill-free by March 2027, ensuring compliance with the Government’s Solid Waste Management Rules 2016. The Indian Army’s commitment to effective waste management represents a giant leap towards protecting the environment. It includes segregating waste at source, promoting recycling and composting, and using eco-friendly disposal methods.
Senior forest official, forest department, Government of Sikkim and the locals present at the event acknowledged the noble effort and expressed gratitude for transforming plastic challenge into an opportunity, forming waste into wealth. Through initiatives that benefits local population, the Trishakti Corps, Indian Army underscores its commitment to environmental protection, community welfare and sustainable development. This engagement fosters trust, cooperation and goodwill, thereby strengthening the Army’s relation with local communities.
