HDFC Bank, in partnership with Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and Centre for Environment Education (CEE) inaugurated Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at Adabari, Guwahati, Assam. One of the main components of the project is the creation of a Swachh Centre – Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) site in ITI, Machkhowa. This MRF will make use of advanced technology to sort waste more effectively and recover valuable resources from mixed waste streams, thus promoting sustainable waste management practices in the city. An MRF optimises waste sorting to maximise resource recovery. It employs advanced technology to extract value from mixed waste streams, thus promoting sustainable waste management practices. The MRF, under HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ‘Rural & Urban Landscape: Free of dry & plastic waste’ project, has digitally been inaugurated by Mr. Ashok Singhal, Minister, of Housing and Urban Affairs, Govt. of Assam with Sh. Mrigen Sarania; Mayor, Guwahati, Smt.
Smita Roy, Deputy Mayor, Guwahati and Sh. Megha Nidhi Dahal IAS; Commissioner, Guwahati Municipal Corporation. The project is in partnership with Centre for Environment Education (CEE) and Shrishti Waste Management Services Pvt. Ltd. has been appointed the service provider for the MRF. Shri Mrinal Bora, Joint Commissioner, GMC, Shri Tulashi Ranjan Kalita, Collector, GMC and Shri Suhel Yasir, Assistant Commissioner, GMC, along with the Ward Councillors of GMC Ward Nos. 2,3,4,5,6,8 and 9 and other district officials from GMC were present during the digital inauguration. The inaugural event was marked with the presence of Mr. Premjit Konwar and Mr. Dipankar Talukdar; from HDFC Bank Ltd, Mr. Prabhjot Sodhi from CEE and other members from HDFC Bank, CEE and Shrishti Waste Management Services (SWMS). Sh. Mr. Ashok Singhal, acknowledged HDFC Bank and CEE for this systematic process-driven, gender-sensitive, participatory approach to solid waste management. He added ‘This systems approach unfolds many aspects of Swachhta, including, improved inclusivity of safai mitras, digital analysis of waste typology, self-driven collection systems, optimization of expenditures apart from generating jobs with better incomes, and integrating the informal sector into the formal workforce.’ Sh. Megha Nidhi Dahal IAS highlighted ‘With India pioneering to achieve a net zero position by 2070, this collaborative initiative of HDFC Bank and CEE in tandem with, governments, private sector, key stakeholders among the waste value chain and the citizens of Guwahati, will play a crucial role in accelerating the city’s transition towards the sustainable and circular economy.’ Ms. Nusrat Pathan, Head CSR, HDFC Bank, ‘Our effort to promote circular economy and a business model across the waste management value chain through this project includes partnerships with stakeholders and initiatives to educate the community on sustainable practices. This aligns with our commitment to reducing environmental impact and supporting community development. Mr. Prabhjot Sodhi added ‘Establishment and operational efficiencies at the MRF will have manifold benefits across the waste ecosystem. It will not only reduce waste volumes but also result in cost savings, reduced burning of plastics, reduced carbon emissions, and better income for safai mitras.’
The project will enable segregation of all types of dry waste; including plastic that will add value to the waste supply chain. PET, PE, HDPE, LDPE, PVC, PS, and PP waste are mechanically bailed, shredded, etc., and supplied to recyclers (to produce pallets or other materials/ products), cement kilns, road constructions, etc. All processes will follow The Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 & its further amendments. Different types of machinery have been installed for various operations at the MRF; movable weighing bridge, conveyor belt, air blower, shredder, grinder, and bailing machine. Prior to the digital inauguration, a physical visit to the MRF was made by the Honourable Mayor, Guwahati, Shri Mrigen Sarania and GMC officials on 10th March 2024. The Honourable Mayor was given a comprehensive overview of the MRF’s operations, including a tour of the MRF facility and demonstration of the machinery in use. Detailed information about the safety and security systems implemented at the facility was also provided. This project follows HDFC Bank’s successful collaboration with UNDP India to establish a Swachhta Kendra (MRF) in Greater Noida. The Guwahati project aims to replicate this success and establish a replicable model for sustainable waste management.
