This article addresses the multifaceted issue of Solid Waste Management (SWM) in India, highlighting its direct and indirect consequences, such as street dog proliferation and attacks, along with the country’s poor handling of waste. A glimpse into a recent incident in Srinagar that brings to light these connections is also presented.
The Stray Dog Menace: A Consequence of Poor Waste Management
In 2019, Indian households generated, on average, 50 kg of food waste per person. This large amount of waste acts as an irresistible attraction for stray dogs, leading them towards populated urban areas. These dogs scavenge for food around garbage dumps and landfills. While no direct evidence links municipal waste mismanagement to an increase in dog bites, factors like inadequate animal birth control programs and rescue centers, coupled with poor waste management, have led to the rise in street dogs and consequent attacks.
India’s Solid Waste Management Scenario
Solid Waste includes various types of garbage, ranging from domestic and commercial to catering waste, sweepings, agricultural and dairy waste, and others, excluding industrial and bio-medical waste. Representing 18% of the world’s population, India contributes to 12% of global municipal waste generation, producing 62 million tonnes of waste annually. Out of this, about 70% is collected, and only a small portion is treated, with the majority being dumped in landfills. With the growth of economy and change in consumption patterns, it is estimated that urban municipal solid waste generation will rise to 165 million tonnes in 2030.
Challenges in Waste Management
The main issues hindering proper waste management include poor implementation of rules, the proximity of dumping sites to slums, and the lack of a data collection mechanism. Most metro cities suffer from inadequate and damaged garbage bins, making waste containment problematic. Urban local bodies find implementing and sustaining the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 challenging. The disparities in living conditions contribute to the waste problem, with many slums located near landfills or dumping sites. A lack of consistent data makes it difficult for private entities to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of waste management policies.
Initiatives Taken for Waste Management
Efforts to improve waste management include the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016, the Waste to Wealth Portal, Waste to Energy program, Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules 2016, Project REPLAN, and Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2022.
Future Recommendations
To reduce street animal attacks and manage waste better, improvements are necessary in public spaces’ waste management and regulation of feeding around eateries. Decentralized waste management systems at the community level can help address large volumes of municipal waste, providing employment for informal workers, and decreasing transportation and storage costs. Additionally, technology-driven recycling can be promoted through university and school level research and development, encouraging active participation in waste management. The issues and solutions to solid waste management in India are many, demanding a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach.
UPSC Civil Services Examination: Previous Year Questions
The last section of the article presents questions that have appeared in previous years on the UPSC Civil Services Examination related to the topic of Solid Waste Management. It tests the candidates’ understanding and awareness of the current state and challenges of Waste Management in India.
