Figure 1: Waste disposal in hilly terrains from Open Burning to Safe Disposal (Left side: open pit burning of general waste and sanitary waste and right side: compact incinerator installed provides a cleaner, safer, and locally viable solution for schools across the hills). Image created by the author using Canva.
Asiya Kochuveettil Muhammed, MRSB
Maharashtra
Across Nagaland and the wider Northeastern region managing waste generated from schools, clinics, and small industries has long been a challenge. Unlike other regions in India, here the terrain is tough, many locations are hard to access, and most institutions lack the infrastructure for safe disposal of waste. While segregation and collection are important, they’re not enough for waste like used pads, syringes, or contaminated gauze needs to be destroyed, not just stored or transported. Large incineration facilities are difficult to install in such regions, and that’s where compact incinerators are quietly stepping in to make a big difference. These are designed to work in low-resource, space-constrained settings, these systems are helping local institutions take control of their waste, safely and sustainably.
Incinerators That Are Already Making a Difference
These units are already making an impact in schools, particularly in girls’ hostels and high schools, where sanitary napkin incinerators have transformed how menstrual hygiene is managed. There’s less embarrassment, better attendance, and more dignity for students. Local NGOs and government bodies in Dimapur and Kohima have been early movers in getting these systems up and running.
Hospitals and PHCs are also getting on board. Biomedical waste incinerators are helping manage items like syringes, gauze, and expired meds right on-site. That means no unsafe dumping, no long-haul waste transport, and a much safer environment for both staff and patients.
Why Decentralized Incineration Works in the Northeast
Centralized waste treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, as it requires large area, continuous power supply and trained personals etc making it difficult to implement in hilly regions. These regions are prone to heavy rainfall, humidity, and occasional landslides making transport unreliable or unsafe. Resulting in people opting to burning the waste in open pits or dumped at far off site. Compact incinerators offer an alternative that actually fits local realities:
Small footprint: Easy to install in schools, clinics, or even remote locations
Low power needs: Many can run on minimal fuel or electricity
Multi-use: Capable of handling sanitary, medical, and small industrial waste
Compliant: Built to meet national environmental standards (CPCB, MoEFCC)
What’s Working and What Still Needs Work
Of course, no solution is perfect. Some units sit idle due to lack of training or follow-up support. Others might be outdated or don’t meet the latest emissions standards. What’s needed now is a push to fill in the gaps get more units to places that need them, upgrade the old ones, and make sure operators are trained and supported.
The good news? A few Indian companies are already offering systems built for this kind of terrain. Among them is Mc Clell and Engineers Pvt. Ltd., a manufacturer that builds compact, CPCB-compliant incinerators tailored for schools, hospitals, and industries across India and ready for the Northeast too.
From Classrooms to Clinics: Real Impact
Looking at a real-life scenario when a girl in a remote school has a clean, private way to dispose of a sanitary pad, it’s not just about hygiene it’s about dignity, confidence, and inclusion. Menstruation has long been stigmatized but with a safe, hygienic disposal options, it can become a point of empowerment for the girls but also her family and community. When a rural clinic can destroy contaminated waste on-site, that’s not just efficiency it’s life-saving. These aren’t just machines; they’re tools that help institutions serve their communities better.
Over the years the Nagaland has already taken some key first steps. Now is the best time to continue the momentum and show how the right technology, in the right hands, can transform public health across the hills.
Conclusion: Simple Tech, Big Impact
One key take away from incinerator story in Nagaland is that the solutions don’t have to be big to be powerful. A compact, well-placed piece of equipment can provide solutions to the bigger problems and aid in public health and cleanliness than a large system stuck in red tape. As the state continues to invest in hygiene, education, and healthcare, these small systems can play a big role.
As Nagaland continues to grow, decentralized waste management must be treated as essential infrastructure not an afterthought. Compact incinerators deserve a place in every district plan and health budget.
Author Bio:
The author, a Member of the Royal Society of Biology (MRSB), has a background in scientific research and currently works in the field of institutional waste treatment and environmental engineering. She is associated with Mc Clell and Engineers Pvt. Ltd., an Indian company that designs compact, CPCB-compliant incinerator systems for schools, hospitals, and industries across India and worldwide.
