Kerala’s Waste Management Crisis

Kerala faces a severe waste management crisis. A recent report released on February 21, 2025, marks the unsustainable practice of offloading non-biodegradable waste to neighbouring states. This method, primarily involving plastic and electronic waste sent to Tamil Nadu, is deemed a temporary fix. The report, titled *Choking on Toxic Smoke – The Brahmapuram Garbage Disaster in Kochi and Municipal Solid Waste Management in Kerala*, emphasises the need for effective internal solutions to address the escalating waste issue.

Current Waste Management Practices

Kerala generates approximately 11,449 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily. This waste is produced by six municipal corporations, 87 municipalities, and 941 panchayats. Local self-government institutions have been responsible for sanitation since 1994. However, many waste management facilities have underperformed due to poor estimates and operational issues.

Environmental Impact of Legacy Waste

Legacy waste poses health risks. The report identifies 44 legacy waste dumps near water bodies, contributing to rising health issues in the state. The Brahmapuram fire in March 2023, which destroyed 800,000 tonnes of waste, released hazardous pollutants. This incident puts stress on the urgent need for comprehensive waste management policies.

Issues with Plastic and E-Waste

Despite a ban on single-use plastics in 2020, plastic pollution remains rampant. Major water bodies now exhibit alarming levels of microplastic contamination. E-waste management is also problematic, with hazardous materials often improperly disposed of. The Extended Producer Responsibility framework is poorly implemented, exacerbating the issue.

Decentralised Waste Management Successes

Some municipalities, like Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram, have successfully implemented decentralised waste management models. These initiatives involve community participation in waste segregation and recycling. However, audits reveal deficiencies in infrastructure and data reliability, hindering effective waste management.

Recommendations for Sustainable Solutions

The report advocates for integrating waste management into broader development strategies. It stresses the importance of recognising the links between waste management, public health, and climate change. Authorities should avoid over-reliance on centralised waste-to-energy plants and focus on innovative, localised solutions.

Innovative Microenterprise Schemes

Some local self-government institutions have launched microenterprise schemes aimed at reusing and recycling waste. These initiatives not only enhance waste management but also create local jobs. The report encourages replicating these successful models throughout Kerala.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the impact of poor waste management practices on public health and the environment in urban areas.
2. Discuss the role of local self-government institutions in managing municipal waste effectively in Kerala.
3. Critically discuss the challenges posed by e-waste in India. What measures can be taken to improve e-waste management?
4. With suitable examples, discuss the importance of community participation in waste segregation and recycling initiatives.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the impact of poor waste management practices on public health and the environment in urban areas.

1. Legacy waste dumps near water bodies lead to increased health issues, including respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases.
2. Hazardous pollutants released during incidents like the Brahmapuram fire can contaminate air, soil, and water sources.
3. Improper disposal of plastics and e-waste contributes to long-term environmental degradation and biodiversity loss.
4. Microplastic contamination in water bodies affects aquatic life and food chains, posing risks to human health through consumption.
5. Overall, poor waste management exacerbates urban pollution, leading to a decline in quality of life and increased healthcare costs.

2. Discuss the role of local self-government institutions in managing municipal waste effectively in Kerala.

1. Local self-government institutions (LSGIs) are responsible for sanitation and waste management under the Kerala Municipalities Act.
2. They implement waste segregation, composting, and recycling initiatives at the community level, encouraging local engagement.
3. LSGIs have the authority to establish and manage waste disposal facilities, although many face operational challenges.
4. Successful models in municipalities like Alappuzha demonstrate the potential of community-driven waste management solutions.
5. However, audits reveal that many LSGIs struggle with infrastructure and data reliability, limiting their effectiveness.

3. Critically discuss the challenges posed by e-waste in India. What measures can be taken to improve e-waste management?

1. E-waste in India is often poorly regulated, leading to hazardous materials being improperly disposed of in scrap shops.
2. Lack of compliance with the E-Waste (Management) Rules of 2016 hampers effective recycling and safe disposal.
3. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is under-implemented, failing to hold manufacturers accountable for their products’ lifecycle.
4. Measures to improve e-waste management include stricter enforcement of regulations and promoting awareness among consumers.
5. Investment in recycling technologies and infrastructure, along with community engagement, can enhance e-waste recovery and reduce environmental impact.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the importance of community participation in waste segregation and recycling initiatives.

1. Community participation in Alappuzha has led to effective segregation and recycling, reducing landfill waste .
2. Thiruvananthapuram’s model showcases how resident involvement in composting can enhance local waste management efforts.
3. Active engagement encourages a sense of ownership and responsibility towards waste management within communities.
4. Successful initiatives often include educational programs to raise awareness about the benefits of segregation and recycling.
5. Replicating these community-driven models across Kerala can improve overall waste management effectiveness and sustainability.