In the wake of the International Day of Zero Waste 2023 and the recently announced Union Budget 2023-24, a focus has been cast on India’s ongoing Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) and the resulting drive towards garbage-free cities. The shift towards cleanliness is becoming a crucial principle in government schemes and citizens’ everyday lives. Jan Bhagidari, or public participation, was reinforced at the ‘Swachhotsav – 2023: Rally for Garbage Free Cities’ held in New Delhi.
International Day of Zero Waste
First observed on 30 March 2023, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) jointly facilitate the International Day of Zero Waste. Its purpose is to raise awareness about zero waste, responsible consumption, production practices, and sustainable urban waste management. The day encourages rethinking environmentally damaging practices and embracing a circular economy to combat climate change, nature loss and pollution.
Status of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban
The SBM-U has made significant strides, declaring Urban India Open Defecation Free (ODF), with all 4,715 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) achieving this status. Furthermore, waste processing in India has increased by over four times since 2014, reaching 75% in 2023. This success is attributed to 100% door-to-door waste collection in 97% of wards and almost 90% of wards practicing source segregation of waste.
The Garbage Free Cities (GFC)-Star rating protocol, launched in January 2018, now includes 445 cities. There’s an ambitious target to reach at least 1,000 3-star GFC cities by October 2024. The Union Budget 2023-24 amplifies the commitment to a circular economy through scientific dry and wet waste management.
Role of Women in Garbage Free Cities
The Rally for Garbage Free Cities is a women-led Jan Andolan that mobilized citizens to clean their localities. The ‘Stories of Change’ Compendium shares inspiring success stories of more than 300 women who are part of Self-Help Group members making significant contributions to waste management models. Over 400,000 women are directly engaged in sanitation and waste management enterprises in Urban India.
Challenges Facing Waste Management in India
Despite the progress under the SBM-U, issues persist. A lack of waste management infrastructure is prevalent, with many cities lacking sufficient landfills, waste processing facilities and collection systems. An increase in plastic waste due to the rise of online retail and food delivery services is another challenge. In addition, gap in data collection mechanisms in relation to solid or liquid waste impede planning and analysis of waste management practices.
Suggested Measures for Improvement
Establishing city composting centres could be a viable solution to reuse organic waste, reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers and aid in carbon dioxide sequestration. Implementing an Extended Producer Responsibility mechanism would hold product manufacturers financially accountable for their products throughout their lifecycle, promoting a circular economy.
A behavioural shift is required to view waste as a resource rather than a nuisance. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) should incentivize and socially include waste pickers, recognising their vital role in municipal economies. This could significantly contribute to effective waste management and improve their livelihood conditions.
Understanding these aspects becomes essential for aspirant civil service candidates as per the previous year’s question in UPSC Civil Services Examination on Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 that highlights the importance of the criteria for identification of landfill sites and waste processing facilities.
