A young IAS officer's fight against plastic pollution

Rinkumani Pathak

In media jargon, there are two types of news-hard and soft news. Most of the times, journalists find a little time to eye on the soft stories because they have to work more on the current happenings which make up to hard news. Life of an administrative officer is also full with hard and soft stories. There are many serious administrative, political responsibilities on their shoulders. Therefore, they don’t find enough time to execute their innovative and fascinating ideas.

But Megh Nidhi Dahal is an exception. Dahal, the 32 year old IAS officer who is now being posted as a staff officer to chief secretary of Assam is a man of unique vision. He embarked upon a war against plastic pollution when he was serving as the sub-divisional officer (Civil) at North Salmara of Bongaigaon.

Megh Nidhi Dahal adopted a zero plastic policy in his workplace at Abhayapuri where he was the SDO(Civil) . He abandoned usage of plastic cups and bottles at his office. Dahal replaced disposable cups with earthen pots at North Salmara sub-divisional office.

“It is to not only promote a plastic free environment, but also to revive the pottery culture which is on the verge of extinction”, said the young IAS officer.

“I have tried to convince the local shopkeepers to give up use of plastic cups and replace disposable with earthen cups. I have also tried to make some sort of understanding between the shopkeepers and the pottery makers. It will help not only in combating plastic pollution, but also to thrive their business”, Dahal added.

In recent times, Megh Nidhi Dahal susccessfully organized several official events with no plastic policy. He has been credited for conducting a plastic-free Loksabha elections 2019 in his sub-division. Dahal used melamine plates and corn starch bowls instead of thermocol and plastic to feed 4000-5000 people in the course of elections.

The young IAS officer also held several other events at his office with no use of plastic. Besides using earthen pots, the officer bought a number of glass tumblers and stainless steel jars at the sub-division office.

“All the employees of our office are instructed to bring their own glass bottles or hydro flask to stop the use of plastic bottles. I have also requested other offices under my jurisdiction to follow the plastic free policy.”, said the young officer.

He took initiative to illuminate his office and official residence with earthen lamps during the time of Diwali. An ardent admirer of nature, Megh Nidhi Dahal frequents places with tourism possibilities in and around Bongaigaon district. He personally undertook a cleanliness drive at Nakkati hilltop which is emerging as one of the popular tourist destinations.

Dahal’s love for nature and his commitment for plastic free environment are also evident in his personal lives. He always emphasies in conducting family functions with no use of disposable and resorts to biodegradable products. It may be noted that Dahal who hails from Sikkim, topped the Sikkim Public Service Commission’s combined exams besides securing an impressive All India ranking in UPSC combined civil service examinations in 2015.

First published in 'The Assam Tribune'