Sri Vijaya Puram, May 24: ANET–Dakshin Foundation, in collaboration with the Directorate of RD, PRIs & ULBs and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DBRAIT), Andaman and Nicobar Administration, conducted a two-day workshop on Baling Machine Operation and Maintenance for sanitation workers, sanitation supervisors, machine operators, and local technicians from across South Andaman district on May 20 and 21 at Panchayat Community Hall, Beodnabad.
While significant improvements have been made in solid waste management systems at the Gram Panchayat level—particularly in terms of service coverage—the operation, maintenance, and repair of baling machines continue to remain a key bottleneck across the islands. Baling machines are a critical component of the solid waste management system, compressing recyclable waste collected by Gram Panchayats into compact blocks for transportation to the mainland for further recycling. Persistent operational and maintenance challenges, however, have created difficulties for Gram Panchayats in ensuring uninterrupted waste management services.
The workshop was organised to address this gap by building the technical capacity of sanitation workers and local technicians to improve the efficiency, functioning, and long-term maintenance of baling machines. Sessions were facilitated by Shri Ninad Kshirsagar and Shri Vinit Prakash Ahire from the technical team of Kshirsagar Enterprises, Pune, Maharashtra.
Day 1 focused on the fundamentals of baling machine operation and routine maintenance, specifically designed for sanitation workers and supervisors while Day 2 concentrated on technical maintenance and troubleshooting. Technical representatives from DBRAIT and Government ITI also participated in the sessions.
The two-day workshop witnessed participation from representatives of Panchayats across South Andaman district, including participants from Little Andaman, Swaraj Dweep, and Shaheed Dweep.
The workshop marked an important step towards the shared vision of creating Zero Waste Islands by strengthening local capacities for efficient and sustainable solid waste management across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.