Mayong | Nestled amidst the pristine natural surroundings of Mayong and in close proximity to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Mystique Mayong Eco Resort has undertaken a series of practical waste management initiatives aimed at maintaining an eco-friendly environment and promoting responsible tourism.

Recognising that tourism and environmental conservation must go hand in hand, the resort has implemented a comprehensive waste management system designed to minimise its ecological footprint while encouraging sustainable practices among employees, guests and the local community.

At the heart of the initiative is the segregation of waste at source. Colour-coded bins have been installed across the property to separate biodegradable waste, recyclable materials, sanitary waste and non-recyclable refuse. The management believes that effective segregation is the first step towards responsible disposal and recycling.

One of the resort’s major focus areas is the management of food waste generated from its kitchens and restaurants. Vegetable peels, leftover food and garden waste are collected separately and converted into organic compost through composting methods. The resulting manure is utilised in maintaining the resort’s gardens and landscaped areas, reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers.

In an effort to reduce plastic pollution, Mystique Mayong Eco Resort has also initiated measures to minimise the use of single-use plastics. Guests are encouraged to adopt environmentally conscious practices, while suppliers are advised to reduce unnecessary packaging materials.

Dry recyclable waste such as paper, cardboard, glass bottles and plastic containers is systematically collected and handed over to authorised recycling agencies. Hazardous waste, including batteries, used lighting fixtures and electronic waste, is disposed of only through approved channels to prevent contamination of soil and water resources.

The resort management has further emphasised the importance of employee participation. Regular awareness sessions and training programmes are conducted to educate staff members on waste segregation, safe handling practices and methods to reduce wastage in day-to-day operations. Guests, too, are invited to become partners in conservation through in-room awareness messages promoting responsible consumption, towel and linen reuse, and the avoidance of food wastage.

The entire initiative has been spearheaded by Mriganka Kishore Bora, Operations Manager of Mystique Mayong Eco Resort, whose vision, dedication and hands-on approach have played a pivotal role in transforming the resort’s waste management practices into a successful model of sustainability.

Through his constant monitoring, meticulous planning and unwavering commitment, Bora has ensured that waste management is not treated as a one-time activity but as a continuous process embedded in the resort’s daily operations. He has personally led staff orientation programmes and conducted regular training and retraining sessions, reinforcing the importance of environmental responsibility among employees at all levels.

His efforts have helped cultivate a culture of discipline and awareness within the organisation, enabling staff members to adopt eco-friendly practices as an integral part of their work routine. The success of the initiative stands as a testament to the impact of strong leadership and sustained employee engagement in achieving meaningful environmental outcomes.

Speaking on the initiative, the management of Mystique Mayong Eco Resort stated, “Eco-tourism extends beyond providing accommodation in natural settings. It is our responsibility to protect the fragile ecosystem that attracts visitors to this destination. Through simple yet practical measures and collective participation, we aim to preserve nature for future generations.”

As Assam witnesses growing interest in nature-based tourism, the resort’s approach demonstrates that environmental stewardship and hospitality excellence can successfully coexist. By transforming waste into a resource through segregation, composting, recycling and community awareness, Mystique Mayong Eco Resort is setting an example of sustainable tourism practices in the region.

The initiative reinforces a simple message: tourism should leave behind cherished memories, not environmental burdens.