Bureau of Indian Standards, Chennai Branch Office organized Manak Manthan on Solid Waste Management Segregation, Collection and Utilization at Commercial Facilities (Shops, Markets, Malls etc) — Guidelines in Chennai.
Smt.G.Bhavani Scientist-F / Sr.Director & Head (Chennai Branch Office) welcomed the Chief Guest , Dignitaries and participants and explained the Programme Objectives. During her speech she mentioned that by focusing on proper waste segregation, proper collection, and safe disposal, it helps all Commercial Facilities to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. The standard not only ensures compliance with regulations but also contributes to reducing pollution, promoting recycling, and fostering urban sustainability. By adhering to these guidelines, all Commercial Facilities play a crucial role in safeguarding public health and the environment, supporting India’s broader goals for sustainable development.
She also added Solid waste management is a critical issue in India, particularly in urban and commercial spaces like shops, markets, malls. As cities grow and commercial activities expand, the amount of waste generated also increases rapidly. Improper management of solid waste leads to health risks, environmental degradation, and sanitation challenges. Effective waste management practices involve segregating waste at the source, collecting it efficiently, and processing or recycling it in a way that minimizes harm to the environment. She also mentioned that IS 18520: 2024 addresses this need by providing a comprehensive set of guidelines for managing solid waste at commercial facilities. These guidelines align with India’s Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and help local authorities, businesses, and waste management professionals implement best practices for handling waste generated by commercial establishments.
Shri Shakthi Manikandan, Chief Engineer, Greater Chennai Corporation was the Chief Guest for the Programme. During his inaugural address, he appreciated the efforts taken by BIS in organizing series of discussion-programmes titled “Manak Manthan” for the benefit of industry which is scheduled on every month, and is envisaged to launch new standards and share important revisions / amendments and wide circulation drafts to local manufacturers, Industrial and Trade Bodies, Chambers of Commerce, Industry Associations, PSU’s or organizations who use such products, Government departments, Regulatory bodies, Laboratories, Civil society groups and Academia.
Shri Vijayakumar, Superintending Engineer - Greater Chennai Corporation was the Guest of Honour.
Shri Gowththam, Scientist-D Explained the participants about BIS and E-BIS.
Shri M. Arun Kumar Scientist-B/ Assistant Director Member Secretary, EED 02, BIS-Delhi during his technical presentation on the standard also mentioned that IS 18520: 2024 focuses on solid waste management for commercial spaces, offering specific guidelines for segregation, collection, and utilization of waste. He also stated that the key principles of the standard include Segregation at Source, Efficient Collection and Transportation, Processing and Recycling and Safe Disposal.
Around 100 Stakeholders on the subject matter attended the Programme.