SDC participated in Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) on plastic waste management in the Upper Ganga Basin. Two sessions were conducted as part of a joint study by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), and Sustainable Development Forum of Uttaranchal (SDFU).
The first of the two discussions was held at Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (HNBGU) in Srinagar, Pauri Garhwal, on November 16, 2021. The second discussion took place the next day at Uttarkashi. The two FGDs were conducted with the support of Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University which is the sole Central Government University in Uttarakhand. An associate organisation of the HNBGU, Sristhi Samajik Sangathan, an Uttarkashi based civil society organisation, was involved in hosting the FGD in Uttarkashi.
The choice of Srinagar and Uttarkashi as the venue for the two FGDs was a careful and well thought out decision. Uttarkashi and Srinagar are the two biggest towns on the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers. Uttarkashi is the district headquarter while Srinagar is the biggest hill town in the entire state of Uttarakhand. Srinagar is the hub of education and houses the Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (HNBGU). Srinagar is slated to become the first Nagar Nigam in the hill region in Uttarakhand. Currently, the eight (8) Nagar Nigams of Uttarakhand are all cities in the plain region of the state viz. Dehradun, Haridwar, Roorkee, Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Haldwani, Kashipur and Rudrapur.
The key background and objective behind the FGD were to first hand capture the diverse experiences, impressions and ideas of various stakeholder groups on the issue of plastic waste management in the Ganga river. These include elected representatives (urban and rural both), village representatives, Vyapar Mandal (local business forums) functionaries, faith leaders, community based organisations (NGOs), government officials, academicians, school owners and teachers, resort operators, senior citizens, college going students, youth artists and other participants.
The two FGDs were well attended with 42 and 39 people in attendance in Srinagar and Uttarkashi respectively (total 81). Women and youth participation was high and adequate opportunities were provided to all to express views, share experiences and suggest a way ahead. The overall excitement levels during the FGD participation were very high and it was clearly apparent that there is a pent up, people centric demand for improved plastic and waste management systems and structures. This was a positive observation.
SDC would like to place on record the support extended by Dr. Prabhakar Badoni, Director, Pauri Campus, HNBGU who spearheaded the two programs and extended able support in the conduct of the FGDs.
Read our detailed Program Report for more information.
