Why Waste Management Needs a Revolution in India

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Why Waste Management Needs a Revolution in India
India, a country with a thriving culture and
extensive history, is facing an increasing
problem with garbage management. Waste generation
is approaching critical levels due to increased
urbanisation and an ever-growing population. The
existing system is having trouble keeping up
because of its many inefficiencies and antiquated
procedures. Not only is a revolution in waste
management required, but it is also a national
obligation.
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The Imminent Crisis Increasing Waste
Mountains Over 62 million tonnes of rubbish are
produced in India each year, which is astounding
source Central Pollution Control Board. This
corresponds to about 400 grams per person every
day, and this amount is expected to increase.
The improper source segmentation exacerbates the
problem. Waste that is both biodegradable and
non-biodegradable is frequently combined, which
makes processing and disposal challenging. When
this mixed garbage is dumped in landfills, it
contaminates the water and soil, harming the
ecosystem. Another common practice is the open
burning of rubbish, which releases dangerous
toxins into the atmosphere, harming human health
and accelerating climate change.
A closer look at the issues ailing Indias waste
management system is provided below
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Inadequate Collection and Transportation
Particularly in peri-urban areas, inadequate
infrastructure and labor force result in partial
garbage collection. As a result, trash heaps
deteriorate, drawing pests that spread disease
and resulting in unhygienic circumstances.
Absence of Processing and Treatment Facilities
India is devoid of a strong network of
waste-to-energy, recycling, and composting
facilities. As a result, there is a significant
reliance on landfills, which are rapidly filling
up.
Informal Waste Pickers Although they are
essential to the waste collection process,
informal waste pickers frequently operate in
hazardous environments and are not provided with
protective gear or health benefits.
Beyond Landfills An Ideation for an India
Sensible to Waste
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A significant change is required in Indias waste
management situation. From garbage generation to
disposal, we want a transformation that places a
premium on a comprehensive strategy. Some salient
features of this revolution are as follows
Source Segregation Its critical to teach
businesses and people how to properly separate
their trash. The effectiveness of waste
management can be greatly increased by using a
two-bin system at the source that separates
biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
Decentralized Processing You can speed
processing and save money on transportation by
placing smaller processing units closer to the
locations where trash is generated. Reliance on
landfills can be reduced by using composting
facilities for biodegradable trash and
waste-to-energy plants for non-biodegradable
garbage.
Giving Informal Waste Pickers More influence
Giving informal waste pickers more influence
inside the official system can
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enhance their living and working situations.
Enabling them with social security, equipment,
and training can help build a waste management
ecosystem that is more sustainable and effective.
Producer Responsibility Manufacturers might be
encouraged to design items that are simpler to
recycle or reuse by enacting Extended Producer
Responsibility (EPR) laws. By doing this, the
initial waste generation can be greatly decreased.
Public Participation and Awareness It is
essential to educate the public about the value
of recycling, reuse, and trash reduction.
Community projects and educational efforts can
motivate people to participate in ethical waste
management techniques.
Technology as a Change-Catalyst Technology has
the potential to significantly transform
waste management in India. Here are a few
encouraging paths
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Smart Bins By optimizing collection routes and
monitoring waste levels, sensor-based bins can
ensure effective waste pickup.
Apps for trash management Mobile applications
can help residents exchange recyclable products,
learn more about waste segregation, and connect
with waste collection agencies.
Blockchain Technology By tracking garbage from
its origin to its disposal, blockchain technology
helps to maintain accountability and transparency
in the waste management system.
A Revolution with Benefits Beyond Waste A
successful waste management revolution in India
will not just address the growing waste crisis,
but will also unlock a multitude of benefits
Environmental Sustainability Proper waste
management will reduce pollution, conserve land
resources, and contribute to a cleaner and
healthier environment.
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Public Health Improvement Effective waste
management will lead to cleaner surroundings,
reducing the spread of diseases and improving
overall public health.
Economic Opportunities A robust waste management
system can create new job opportunities in the
waste collection, processing, and recycling
sectors.
Resource Recovery Recycling and composting can
turn waste into valuable resources, reducing
dependence on virgin materials and promoting a
circular economy.
In summary, a joint endeavor towards a
sustainable future
India has to revolutionize garbage management,
and this will require cooperation from the public
sector, private sector, and citizens. India may
make progress toward a more sustainable future in
which trash is utilized as a resource rather than
a burden by putting the above-mentioned solutions
into practice. Lets seize this
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opportunity to create a more prosperous,
healthier, and clean India for future
generations.