Solid Waste Management
No dearth of Technologies & Rules but Solid Wastes still unmanageable : Analytical assessment of present approach and probable strategy for future
Dr. A K Sannigrahi *
Abstract
Mankind, the proud creator of solid wastes, is anxiously watching today the harmful effects of its own creation on the environment and ultimately on its existence in this beautiful world. Scientists have developed different technologies like incineration with power production, Pyrolysis, Pelletization, dumping in scientific landfill, recycling of non-biodegradable wastes and composting of biodegradable wastes. First four are destructive approach while last two are constructive approach with value addition to wastes. Indian government has formulated three Acts and four Rules for providing a clean environment to its citizens. These are Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, Environment Protection Act, 1986, Hazardous waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1989, Bio-medical wastes (Management & Handling) Rules, 1998, Recycled plastics (Manufacture and Usage) Rules, 1999 and Municipal Waste (Management and Handling) Rules 2000. Latest rule has clearly identified the working procedures and the responsibilities of different authorities to execute and monitor solid waste management activities. But majority of municipality in India has not yet implemented this rule with an excuse of short of funds. Municipal authority could able to dispose only about 50 percent of solid wastes generated daily by spending more than 50 percent of their budget amount following pollution prone dumping or burning techniques. The present ‘Treatment at the end of pipe’ approach is to be changed by ‘Treatment at source’ approach. Citizens, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Community Welfare Associations (CWAs), Municipal Authorities and Pollution Control Boards have to join hand together to solve the solid waste management problem. The paradigm...
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