IIT-BHU’s food waste mgmt initiative to promote cleanliness, social responsibility

Varanasi: To ensure cleanliness across the campus but facilitate meaningful utilization of surplus food for the benefit of the underprivileged, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), BHU launched an innovative and socially responsible initiative for the effective management of food waste in its hostels.

The Institute currently has 12 boys’ hostels and 4 girls’ hostels, catering to approximately 8,500 students, for whom breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared daily. Considering the scale of operations, a structured and systematic mechanism has been put in place to manage food waste efficiently.

Under the leadership of Prof Rakesh Kumar Singh, chairman of Council of Wardens (COW), a streamlined system has been implemented wherein food waste is collected from all hostels three times a day. An authorized agency, engaged by the office of COW Chairman, is responsible for the regular collection and proper handling of food waste.

As part of this initiative, leftover plate waste is utilized as feed for cattle, while surplus unserved food from hostel kitchens is carefully collected and distributed in a hygienic manner among underprivileged communities in areas such as Chittupur, Seer Govardhan, and nearby bypass localities outside the BHU campus.

Singh said that this system will significantly improve cleanliness in the hostels while ensuring responsible utilization of surplus food, thereby strengthening our commitment towards social responsibility.

Institute director Prof Amit Patra said this structured approach to food waste management not only enhances campus cleanliness but also extends meaningful support to the needy. It stands as a model initiative that can inspire other institutions.