Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) has transformed waste management systems in Palashbari, one of Assam’s oldest towns, through a three-year community-led initiative that has diverted over 3,200 tonnes of waste and remediated 1,550 tonnes of legacy waste while achieving 98.5% source segregation across households, institutions and markets. The initiative, implemented under GCPL’s CSR programme in partnership with the Palashbari Municipal Board and Feedback Foundation Charitable Trust, introduced a decentralised and scalable waste management model for smaller urban centres. Earlier, Palashbari generated nearly two tonnes of mixed waste daily that was dumped at open sites, causing environmental degradation and health risks along the Kalbhug River.
“Stronger communities build a stronger future, and our programme in Palashbari shows what is possible when citizens, local authorities and partners work with shared ownership,” said Pakzan Dastoor, Head – Sustainability & CSR, Godrej Industries Group, GCPL.
In Guwahati, the Palashbari model is drawing attention as a scalable waste management solution for fast-growing urban centres. With increasing waste generation in Guwahati due to expanding residential clusters, markets and commercial activity, experts believe decentralised waste processing systems such as MRFs and composting centres could help reduce landfill dependency and improve waste segregation practices in the city. The success of the Palashbari project has already inspired other urban local bodies, including the North Guwahati Municipal Board, to consider similar community-driven waste management systems.
