Ruma Nguri is just another engineering student of North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology. But today she is organizing a ‘Clean Capital Complex’ in Itanagar. She realized a daily crisis which we ignore generally because it’s ‘government’s’ job to keep us satisfied.
Observes Ruma, “I was walking along with my friends; I stopped by to buy some ice-cream. We were chatting and eating. The ice-cream container, the stick etc… I did not feel like throwing it on the street but then I was left with no option as I can’t put it into my bag or carry it all along, so I had to dispose it on the road because there was no dustbin in my vicinity. I threw it down with guilt feeling and decided that something should be done about it...”
On 28th January, she had no plan, no support; but she desperately wanted to do something for the community she is depended on.
Ruma approached the NERIST Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Association and asked for support. She said, “Government has lot many big issues to take care of, at least some things can be done by us (students).”
The NAPSA family responded positively & almost immediately and they made a plan along with Ruma. They decided to recycle used steel cans as dustbins in and around the capital complex of Itanagar, Naharlagun & Nirjuli. They collected all the mustard oil cans available in the hostel mess or nearby grocery shops and painted them green. Ruma says it’s an ‘awesome’ way of recycling and believes that it will send a noble message to the government as cleanliness has always been an issue in the capital complex of Arunachal Pradesh.
[Picture : Proposed Dustbin Model ]
Today, on 7th April, 2012, they have scheduled to execute the plan. They will come to the streets. They will tie a green dustbin on every electric post in and around Itanagar. Students & faculty members of NERIST led by the NAPSA are going to take part in the event which is scheduled to start off at 7 am at NERIST Gate. This might not be the biggest change, but it is a small change that I am sure is going to pave way for the bigger ones.
This article is featured in Youth Ki Awaaz : The Mouthpiece of the Youth, a national web-magazine.
Link : http://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2012/04/mission-clean-capital-complex-student-dynamism-in-itanagar/