The M.Sc. Environmental Science students of Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Thevara, undertook a field visit to the Solid Waste Management Facility at INS Venduruthy Naval Base, Kochi, on 25th September 2025 as part of Practical IV – Field Visit (Semester III). The primary objective of the visit was to gain practical exposure to the integrated solid waste management system implemented within the Naval Base, noted for its scientific and eco-sustainable operations.
The session commenced with an insightful presentation by Commander R. Balaraman, who outlined the Base’s waste management framework and sustainability initiatives through a detailed PowerPoint presentation. Permission for the visit was granted by Commander Cibin V. Charly, while Mrs. Divya Nixon, NORA Manager, accompanied the students throughout the visit, providing continuous guidance and on-site explanations. Mr. Shiva Dasan, the dumping in-charge, demonstrated the operational aspects of waste collection, segregation, and disposal.
Students observed the Base’s zero-waste-to-landfill initiative, which prioritizes segregation at source, composting of biodegradable waste, plastic recycling, and the safe incineration of non-recyclables. The plastic recycling chain, involving cleaning, shredding, and pellet production, stood out as a model of circular waste management.
The visit offered valuable insights into large-scale sustainable waste handling and highlighted how institutional discipline, planning, and commitment can effectively transform waste into a resource, fostering a cleaner and more sustainable environment. The visit concluded with remarks by Lt. Shaan Bugali, Administrative Officer, Naval Operations Recreation Association (NORA), who summarized the key aspects of the Base’s sustainable waste management practices.
