India, with a population of 1.33 billion, has one of the highest population densities in the world, standing at 325 people per square kilometer. Covering 2.9 million square kilometers, the country holds nearly 18% of the world’s population. Despite efforts to manage this growth, the administration has often struggled to implement effective policies, especially in rapidly expanding urban areas.
Urban India is categorized into six tiers based on population size. According to the 2011 Census, the country has three megacities with populations exceeding 10 million, 53 urban agglomerations with populations over one million, and 468 towns with populations above 100,000. The rapid growth of these megacities, which saw a 30.47% increase, has often led to the neglect of basic necessities, including waste management.
The growing focus on providing essential services such as water, electricity, and food has overshadowed the critical issue of waste management. As India’s cities continue to expand, the waste generated also increases, posing significant environmental and health risks. Addressing waste management is crucial to prevent this issue from escalating into a national crisis.
India generates 62 million tonnes of waste annually, with a growth rate of 4%/year. This waste comprises organic biodegradable,dry (recyclable), and biomedical (hazardous) waste. Nearly 50% of the waste is organic, and the volumes of recyclable and biomedical waste are rising as urbanization progresses.
Poor waste management has severe consequences. Uncollected waste leads to pollution, health hazards, and environmental degradation. The existing infrastructure often fails to keep up with the volume of waste produced. Inefficient collection and disposal methods contribute to widespread issues, including air and water pollution, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Various policies have been framed to address waste management, but their implementation has been slow and ineffective. The Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in 2014, aims to improve waste management practices. However, significant challenges remain in achieving its goals. Systemic changes are necessary to enhance
waste management infrastructure and practices.To tackle this issue effectively,several steps need to be taken. Firstly, there should be an emphasis on waste segregation at the source, ensuring that organic, recyclable, and biomedical waste are properly separated. This would facilitate efficient recycling and disposal processes. Secondly, investment in waste processing facilities, such as composting units and recycling plants, is essential to handle the increasing waste volumes.
Public awareness campaigns are also crucial to educate citizens about the importance of waste segregation and proper disposal methods. Community participation can
significantly enhance the effectiveness of waste management initiatives. Furthermore, stringent regulations and monitoring systems should be implemented to ensure compliance with waste management policies.
In conclusion, India’s rapid urbanization and population growth have exacerbated the waste management crisis. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive and systemic changes, including improved infrastructure, public awareness, and effective policy implementation. By prioritizing waste management, India can prevent environmental degradation and safeguard public health, ensuring a cleaner and healthier future for its citizens.
Source: https://www.epw.in/engage/article/institutional-framework-implementing-solid-waste-management-india-macro-analysis