NEW DELHI: Oil India Limited (OIL) and  Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) are setting up around 8 to 10 compressed bio-gas (CBG) Plants in different districts of Assam and other North-East states, a green initiative that would create wealth out of waste and address the burgeoning problem of waste management in towns and cities in the North East Region. 

Collaboration with Urban Local bodies for municipal solid waste collection has been initiated, said OIL CMD and Chairman of NRL Dr. Ranjit Rath while speaking as Chief Guest at the Technical Symposium on ‘Creating Wealth from Waste: Role of Startup and New Enterprises’ organised by Pollution Control Board of Assam in Guwahati.

Dr. Rath also said that the OIL Township at Duliajan is being developed as a SMART city in terms of modern living amenities including solid waste disposal and treatment, enhanced carrying capacity of drainage systems, segregation of waste at source and other best practices.

The legacy waste of Tinsukia is also being handled with the active support of OIL. Speaking at the event, he reiterated the importance of segregation of domestic waste at its source and possible opportunities for start-ups in the entire scheme of activities.

NRL's MD, Bhaskar Jyoti Phukan in his address stressed the need to create an effective ecosystem where various industries support the collective initiatives of the Pollution Control Board of Assam in finding solutions to environmental issues in terms of funding; since present revenue models are not sustainable. He urged the young enthusiasts to hone their entrepreneurial spirit and take up Startup ideas in providing solutions to micro issues in this domain.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship Development Dr. B Kalyan Chakravarthy (IAS) appreciated the efforts of OIL and  NRL for their sincere efforts in the field of waste to wealth management in the region.

Earlier, Chairman of Pollution Control Board of Assam, Dr Arup Kumar Misra, while setting the context for the symposium impressed upon the need for collaboration amongst various stakeholders for proper waste management and encouraged young entrepreneurs to find more ways to create wealth from waste; citing examples from across the nation and the globe.