In urban India, Solid Waste management is one of the biggest development challenges. According to studies, incorrect garbage disposal generates toxic gases and leachates. Therefore, urban local bodies (ULBs) must keep cities and towns clean.
But, the majority of ULBs suffer from a lack of suitable infrastructure. This includes weak institutional capability, limited funding, and an absence of political commitment. Even while many ULBs do get government funding, they still face financial instability. All landfill sites in India are already filled, and the respective ULBs lack the funds to purchase additional land. Finding more dump locations is challenging. This is due to the fact that many local governments are hesitant to provide land for waste from other areas.
Solid Waste Management in India
Solid Waste Management (SWM) remains a nightmare despite effective technologies and sufficient municipal funds. The separation of inorganic and organic municipal solid wastes is the most straightforward yet efficient waste management strategy worldwide. However, it is challenging to put this simple method into action in most places since it calls for the equal engagement of citizens and authorities. Large cities in India are particularly susceptible to the threat of untreated waste. This is because authorized and unauthorized landfills are increasing in numbers near residential areas. This poses a threat to people's health.
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Disposal of Solid Waste
India's main garbage disposal techniques continue to be waste dumping and burning. Most towns and cities dispose of their trash by dumping it outside of the city in low-lying areas. According to the Planning Commission's 2014 study, People throw over 80% of their waste in dump yards. This endangers human health and the environment. Garbage on the side of the road, spilling over drains, or lying on the surface of waterways is not unusual in India.
Government Regulations and SWM Policies
2016 Solid Waste Management Rules
SWM Rules in April 2016 replaced the Municipal Solid Waste Rules of 2000. The new regulations now apply outside of municipal boundaries. It enables waste producers to separate garbage at the source. They can choose dry waste for recycling and reuse. They can also use wet waste for composting or biomethanation.
2016 Plastic Waste Management Rules
The MoEFCC published the Plastic Waste Management Rules of 2016, which replaced the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules of 2011. The new regulations extend the authority from the municipalities to rural regions. Before giving it to a trash collection agency, people must separate the plastic waste. That is what the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016 say.
Challenges in Solid Waste Management (SWM)
After China and the US, India is the third-largest generator of solid waste. It encounters major difficulties with garbage collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal. The rising city population and income have caused significant changes in urban consumption patterns and also in the Solid Waste Management System. ULBs are ill-equipped to manage the rising volume of waste. Lack of waste separation and ineffective treatment methods are some of the problems. The public's carelessness about waste worsened the issue. The following are some of the primary issues being faced by SWM in India:
There is no structure for collecting regular data on waste generation. Hence, the information on waste generated in India is inconsistent. As a result, estimates and projections for solid waste Management vary among agencies.
Waste generators must separate their waste into three categories, biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and hazardous waste. The authorized garbage collectors must then receive the separated waste. Many ULBs don't have the technology to collect, segregate, and process various waste categories. Additionally, not everyone is aware of the segregating process.
According to research, India's waste collection system is not uniform. That results in low trash-collecting efficiency. The waste collection is effective only in some places.
In India, most towns and cities dump their trash outside the city limits. They dump it in low-lying areas without taking the necessary safety measures. According to research, there is no landfill-ready terrain. Finding fresh land becomes difficult because ULBs lack the resources to buy it.
There has yet to be more research in the field. As a result, it is challenging for the authorities to find solutions for the trash created.
Local governments lack the necessary resources and facilities to fix the Solid Waste Management System. As a result, they cannot embrace effective waste disposal and treatment technologies.
In India, there is waste-to-energy (WtE) technology. But it has various issues. Mixed garbage and seasonal variations in waste composition are some of them. Studies have proven that operational issues prevent most WtE plants from operating.
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Conclusion on Solid Waste Management
The Indian Solid Waste Management System is in poor condition. ULBs have generally struggled to handle solid waste as these local organizations lack funding. Additionally, garbage collectors lack legal standing and protection. That makes it difficult for them to collect and separate waste. Even though the 2016 SWM Rules address several concerns, compliance is still low. Therefore, there must be an action plan to decentralize the waste management system.
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