Balaganapuram
Rapid urbanisation and population growth in India have led to a dangerous increase in the generation of solid waste. As a result, environmental and health-related problems have significantly risen. Currently, the average per capita solid waste generation in India ranges from 0.2 kilograms to 0.6 kilograms per day. Of this, dry waste constitutes around 40% to 50%. As cities expand and lifestyles change, the volume of waste being generated is growing two to three times faster than the population growth. This is further intensifying an already complex issue.
The dangerous increase in waste generation is one of the most critical challenges facing humanity. The massive growth in plastic waste in urban areas is particularly alarming. The implementation of the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules in 2016, along with the amendments made in 2022, aimed to address this crisis by placing the responsibility for managing plastic waste materials on urban local bodies (ULBs). However, many ULBs are struggling to efficiently track and manage the dry waste they collect.
The gap in plastic waste management is making the problem even more complex. Issues such as the lack of effective channels between ULBs and recyclers, and the incomplete verification of recycling processes, are preventing plastic waste from being properly recycled and reused. This not only weakens the impact of waste management programs but also exacerbates environmental pollution and health hazards.
To address these challenges and reduce existing gaps, establishing plastic processing plants is a great solution. These plants serve as a crucial link between ULBs and recyclers. By creating an official, structured system, these plants can efficiently process plastic waste, recycle it, and ensure that it is reused in an environmentally friendly manner. This approach not only promotes a circular economy but also reduces the environmental impact caused by waste accumulation.
This model provides economic benefits through resource efficiency and job creation, while significantly reducing plastic pollution. Additionally, integrating Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into waste management processes further enhances these efforts. SHGs play a crucial role in community-level waste management and provide various benefits:
i) SHGs can participate in activities such as waste segregation, collection, and recycling, thus providing members with a stable source of income.
ii) By fostering local partnerships, SHGs increase community awareness and responsibility toward waste management.
iii) Engaging SHGs helps ensure that waste is being properly disposed of, reducing pollution risks and improving local environments.
To effectively tackle the waste management challenges in India and move forward in this direction, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Streamlining waste collection processes and promoting segregation at the source are key factors that can significantly improve recycling rates. Establishing strong cooperation between ULBs (Urban Local Bodies) and recycling organisations will facilitate easier tracking and management of waste.
Additionally, community participation in waste management programs is critical. This encourages widespread support for methods that promote a clean environment. Investing in projects that prioritize a circular economy will lead to better resource management and waste reduction.
Finally, it is important to recognize that India is at a critical stage in solving its waste management issues. By bridging the gaps in plastic waste management and empowering self-help groups, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and waste-conscious future.
