Lecture Notes: Waste Management in Indian Cities

Introduction to Waste Management Issues

• Almitra Patel: First woman engineer from MIT, civic activist.
• Waste Crisis in Indian Cities: Initially, waste was dumped openly in cities like Delhi.
• Supreme Court Involvement: Patel brought waste management issues to the Supreme Court's attention, leading to the creation of the Solid Waste Management Rules in 2000 and revised rules in 2016.
• Current Scenario: Despite rules, Indian cities still struggle with waste management.

Waste Management in Delhi

• Statistics:
  • Delhi produces 11,000-11,500 tons of garbage daily.
  • Less than 5% decentralized processing.
  • 80% centralized incineration-based processing.
• Mechanisms:
  • Formal System: Managed by municipalities, involves contracts with private concessionaires for waste collection and disposal.
  • Informal System: Involves Resident Welfare Associations and informal waste pickers.

Integration of Informal Sector

• Informal Workers: Critical in waste management, yet not fully integrated.
• Role of Waste Pickers: Essential for recycling and reducing waste.
• NGT Monitoring: National Green Tribunal monitors the implementation of SWM Rules 2016.

Problems and Recommendations

• Implementation Issues: Challenges in integrating informal sectors and executing SWM rules.
• Tipping Fees: Should be based on waste quality rather than quantity.
• Segregation of Waste: Responsibility of waste generators; not adequately practiced leading to mixed waste.

Need for Systemic Change

• Court and Municipality Role: Need for a bottom-up approach; courts should not only pass judgments but also ensure implementation.
• Public Awareness: Citizens lack awareness; need education on segregation and waste management.
• Technological and Policy Interventions: Invest in improved recycling technology and integrate informal workers into the formal system.

Conclusion

• Role of Courts: Need for courts to focus on real actions rather than just hearings.
• Municipality Upgrades: Enhancements needed for Pollution Control Boards and municipal capacities.
• Community Effort: Waste management should begin at the household level, ensuring proper segregation and disposal.

These notes summarize the main points discussed regarding the waste management challenges faced by Indian cities, particularly Delhi, and the systemic changes needed for improvement.