The Varanasi Cantonment Board has achieved a prestigious national accolade, securing the Defence Minister Excellence Award for the year 2025. This honour was bestowed in the 'Clean Cantonment–Healthy Cantonment' category, recognising the board's exemplary work in urban services and innovative solid waste management strategies aimed at achieving zero waste.
A Recognition of Efficiency and Community Effort
The award specifically acknowledges the board's efficient administration, its commitment to environment-friendly policies, and a development framework that thrives on robust community involvement. The recognition serves as a major motivational boost, particularly for the sanitation workers on the ground, whose tireless efforts have been pivotal to this success.
On Tuesday, the award was formally received by CEO Satyam Mohan, who was accompanied by team members Neelesh Kumar Chaudhary, a Computer Programmer, and Faizan Ahmad, a Safai Mitra. Their collective presence at the ceremony highlighted the team effort behind this achievement.
The Road to Zero Waste: A Scientific Approach
In an interview, CEO Satyam Mohan detailed the extensive measures implemented by the Cantonment Board to progress towards its zero-waste goal. The cornerstone of their strategy is a systematic process that begins with segregation of waste at source from both households and commercial establishments.
This is followed by a structured collection system and, most importantly, the scientific processing of the collected waste. Mohan emphasised that continuous public awareness campaigns focusing on cleanliness and proper waste management have played a critical role in changing public behaviour and yielding positive outcomes.
From External Disposal to In-House Processing
A significant shift in operations has been the move away from relying on external facilities. Previously, all garbage was transported to the municipal waste disposal plant located at Karsada, a process that incurred substantial costs for the board.
Today, the scenario has transformed. The Cantonment Board now processes its solid waste scientifically at its own dedicated facility, the Sanitation Park. This in-house capability not only reduces expenditure but also ensures greater control over the waste management lifecycle, aligning perfectly with the zero-waste vision that earned them the Defence Minister's award.
