Jammu and ’s Solid Waste Management Challenges and the Way Forward

Jigyasa Gulati

Introduction continues to be a major problem in and Kashmir. Solid Waste Management is one of the biggest global issues facing humankind as a This paper explores the current state of Solid result of rapid urbanization and an ever- Waste Management (SWM) in Jammu and increasing global population. The issue puts Kashmir and by following a cross-learning pressure on the limited resources available approach; it introduces two models of SWM such as land, thus making it mandatory to successfully implemented in Alappuzha, seek new alternative methods for disposing of Kerala and Indore. Based on the study of waste. Jammu and Kashmir is no exception. these models, the paper suggests policy As per the Draft Policy of 2018, with 1.04% recommendations to effectively manage the population of , on an average, J&K issue of SWM in the erstwhile state. generates 3,134 tons of solid waste a day that constitutes organic fraction 40-45%, 20-30% inert fraction, rest plastic rags and other Solid Waste Management in Jammu & components. The two landfills in Bhagwat Kashmir Nagar in and Achan in are overflowing as both the The Integrated State Policy 2017 identifies landfills have already exceeded their capacity. insufficient capital expenditure, non- Due to the fertile nature of the land, affordability to meet the operation and mountainous terrain, and rapid urbanization, maintenance (O&M), lack of technical know- it is difficult to find more land in J&K for how, lack of public awareness, non- waste disposal. The failure of the availability of land and fighting the Municipal Corporation to acquire 20 hectares opposition from the neighborhood where the of land for an alternate landfill[1] is a case in facility is located as the major challenges of point. Despite proposing various plans and Solid Waste Management (SWM). The strategies, Solid Waste Management (SWM) current state of SWM in the erstwhile state is directly attributable to the aforementioned challenges identified by the Integrated State Policy of 2017.

The Solid Waste Management Rule 2016 that available in the dumping sites. Furthermore, replaced Solid Waste (Management and dumping of untreated waste in open areas and Handling) 2000, makes it mandatory to around roads results in a pile of garbage that segregate the waste into three categories: not only emits a foul smell but also attracts biodegradable, dry and domestic hazardous stray animals and mosquitoes causing a threat before the same is handed over to the to the health of individuals. In addition to collectors. However, its implementation that, Solid waste is being unloaded and remains weak in Jammu and Kashmir. There dumped into water-bodies in Kashmir, is a lack of awareness among the public to particularly wetlands and rivers by none other handle waste that results in non-segregation than municipal institutions. Wullar , of waste by households and institutions. The Hokasar wetland, and Doodh Ganga river[4] door-to-door collection facility is available in are bearing the brunt of Solid waste (SW) both Jammu and Kashmir divisions which mismanagement. Not only the municipal solid covers 42% and 100% respectively. A private waste but dead animals are also thrown into partner has also been appointed in Jammu water bodies by both locals and officials[5]. division whereas in Srinagar, the The 2016 law delegates power to the Urban administration recently engaged 6 NGOs to Local Bodies to impose user fees and spread awareness and ensure segregation of emphasizes the policy of ‘polluter pays’, but waste as stated in the Draft Policy of 2018. none is seen to be effectively implemented. Nevertheless, results have been less than Furthermore, it seeks integration of rag desirable. Separate vehicles are not provided pickers, waste pickers, and kabadiwalas from for the segregation of waste and also the informal to the formal sector. But a compartmentalization of waste is not being cursory look in this regard reveals that the executed. Appointed waste collectors – work has not been institutionalized in the whether using rickshaws, lorries, or trucks – erstwhile state[6]. Also, workers are not reportedly combine waste during the provided with gloves, masks, and other safety collection at the locality dump site rather than equipment and in some cases, not all are transport landfill-assigned waste and provided with carts required to collect waste. recyclable material separately[2]. According Even hundreds of shikarawallas[7] cleaning to a petition filed before the J&K High Court, using the traditional approach and only 10% of the total collected waste is taken putting their lives at risk have been kept out to the dumping site[3]. Thus, this leads to the of the Solid Waste Disposal Procedure. underutilization of the composting capacity

In October 2020, the J&K High Court and Satpal Singh in the paper, “Sustainable imposed Rs 25, 000 fine on J&K Urban Municipal Solid Waste Management in India: Development Department (UDD) for A Policy Agenda” policy agenda for responding recklessly to its orders on a matter sustainable SWM needs to drive behavioral related to solid waste management[8], as it change amongst citizens, elected was hearing a petition filed by a civil society representatives and decision-makers to group. The petitioner highlighted some minimize waste and maximize reuse and important points. There is no planning about recycling. As the J&K G25 strategy proposes the effective utilization and conversion of the the reduction in the waste generation quantity waste into productive use, the group by 25% by 2025, it is imperative to take mentioned. They further added that spoiled intensive measures to achieve this goal. fruits and vegetables are being dumped at the The two models of Solid Waste Management solid waste management site, which that have proven successful in the states, otherwise could have provided a valuable where they have been implemented, and are source for organic manure generation. recognized worldwide for their effectiveness Moreover, management and proper utilization offer some important insights for efficient and of waste could be a major source of effective management of waste in Jammu and employment for the erstwhile state. In regards Kashmir. the finances, a news editorial in Daily Excelsior identified financial capacity as the MODELS biggest restrains[9], the petitioner had Alappuzha: The Venice of the East informed the J&K HC that only Rs 1.22 crore has been utilized by the State government out Alappuzha was recognized by the United of the total of Rs 12.11 crores received from Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in the (GoI) for solid waste December 2017 amongst five cities in the management in the state. world for its decentralized sustainable solid Therefore, it could be observed that lack of waste management project. The project was awareness and political will lies at the heart started in 2012 and has been replicated in of the problem leading to other issues such as Thiruvanthapuram whereas Meghalaya is on its way to implement it. Pipe compost units non-segregation of waste, no effective and biogas plants were set up in households planning and implementation, and illegal dumping. As suggested by Shyamala Mani depending on the amount of organic waste that was generated at a subsidized rate; a pipe

compost unit cost only Rs.150 instead of Sarvodayapuram (dumping site) is Rs.70, 27, Rs.960 and a biogas plant only Rs.3375 762, cost of biogas produced through 1164 instead of Rs.13500. Households who biogas plants is equivalent to 4992 LPG couldn’t adopt these measures were provided cylinders i.e., Rs.70 lakhs, and manure with the facility of aerobic compost units produced from compost - 225 tons priced at located within walking distance. They consist Rs.34 lakhs[12]. The model couldn’t have of 4ft by 4ft concrete bins with each having been a success without constant efforts by the the capacity to convert 2 tons of waste into local bodies and support from the community. compost within three days. The number of Initially, people were apprehensive about bins depends upon the locality and the installing bio bins and aerobic compost, number of households. The walls of the units anticipating bad odor. Dr. Thomas Isaac, have been painted to make them attractive finance minister of the state and the then and it has turned out to be a ‘tourist serving Collector, ordered one to be installed attraction’. People can deposit waste two in the collector complex to assure people that times a day, from 6 am to 11 am and from 6 bio bins and aerobic compost can be trusted. pm to 10 pm[10]. For treating non- Efforts were supplemented with an extensive biodegradable waste, material collection IEC programme. NGOs were roped in and facilities are available in public spots that they went from door-to-door to spread have separate sections for various kinds of awareness. Clubs were started in schools, waste like e-waste, hard plastic and carry households adopting measures were praised bags. Further, a team of volunteers called to build the confidence of people. The ‘Green Task Force’ has also been assigned to decentralized model ensured the participation collect this waste from households on a of people by giving them ownership. The monthly basis. Hotels, vegetable markets, slogan of the program says it all, the ‘garbage wedding halls are mandated to have their own I produce is my responsibility’. plants or make arrangements to entrust their Indore: The Cleanest City waste to recognized private service providers. Assorted plastic waste is handed over without Indore was ranked the cleanest city on the paying fees to contractors for recycling at Government’s Swachhata Sarvekshan, 2017. specified dates and at specified points[11]. Since 2016, it has achieved 100% door-to- The model has been financially beneficial, as door collection and segregation of waste at the numbers reveal money saved on diesel, household levels. Households pay between Rs the cost for transporting waste to 60 and 150 a month based on the waste they

generate, and commercial facilities pay Rs 3 (verification) activities in the IEC. The per kg of waste. Dividing in wards, the verification process took place through administration carried out an ‘Identification different means: An app named 311 has been Study’ to figure out the amount of waste developed to register complaints and ensures generation in each ward and developed a redressal within 48 hours, surprise checks detailed route plan to ensure that it covers all through online site visits, and monitoring staff wards. It further helped in implementing a attendance through biometrics. staff deployment plan to meet the requirement Commissioners were appointed for each area. of the workforce. Even research has shown They are held accountable for their work and that waste collection efficiency is low in this helped to ensure regular visits. While India, due to non-uniformity in the collection certain IEC media, such as nukkad nataks, system. Waste collection efficiency is 100 rallies connected citizens with service percent only in those areas where private providers (community association, NGOs, contractors and non-governmental volunteers) – on the other hand, technologies organizations are actively involved. Realizing such as 311 App- helped in directly this strategy, the administration contracted connecting with the IMC official machinery. private corporations to undertake operations Policy Recommendations such as transportation, collection and disposal of waste. Besides this, it partnered with Together the aforementioned models of Solid NGOs to spread awareness, monitoring, and Waste Management could help develop a segregation of waste. People were made strategy for the newly carved out Union aware using various practices and in case of Territory. Based on the cross-learning from repeated violation, they were penalized. A other best practices that have already yielded massive Information Education results in other states, this paper provides Communication (IEC) programme was held some recommendations that are tailored to that consisted of street plays, wall paintings, suit the specific needs of Solid Waste radio messages and utilizing cultural events Management in Jammu and Kashmir. These such as Ganesh festival and Gandhi Jayanti. It recommendations attempt to offer solutions to also roped in religious leaders to read out the other major challenges that the erstwhile from texts and give sermons on cleanliness. state is facing to deal with SWM. They are Oathtaking and cleanliness drives were interlinked in nature and require simultaneous organized in schools. The most interesting consideration. Nonetheless, what lies beneath aspect was the incorporation of monitoring all this is undeterred political will, appropriate

funds and support from the community. By government complexes, and other such increasing the participation of people, a sense institutions. of ownership should be developed among the 3. Compost bins and biogas plants citizens to make sure they take responsibility should be offered to households at for their actions. subsidized prices.

Decentralization All these steps should be taken on a pilot project basis initially to test their As proposed in the model, decentralization of effectiveness. waste management should be adopted. The Cluster Approach proposed in the Integrated Segregation of Waste Policy of 2017 provides a detailed criterion to 1. Provide colored dustbins to households the clustering method of waste management. to segregate waste This provides an economically viable solution since individual facilities would prove costly. 2. Training to workers

Data Collection 3. Compartmentalization of the waste collecting vehicles An identification study should be undertaken to analyze the amount of waste generation 4. Inclusion of private players to collect and other needs of the population. The and segregate waste availability of data will be essential to strategize and implement any effective policy.

To tackle non-availability of land Cross Partnership 1. NGOs and Self-Help Groups can 1. Aerobic Compost Units could be play a pivotal role in IEC programmes. developed in districts depending on the need of each district. It would They could also be helpful in the especially be helpful in areas where the segregation and disposal of waste. door-to-door collection is not possible. 2. Private players should be Further, it would help in saving the cost employed for the collection of waste. of transportation. 3. Identification of the role of local stakeholders to preserve the 2. Composting bins and biogas plants environment. For instance, a formal should be provided in schools, contract could be signed with Shikhara

owners who are cleaning the Dal Lake providing the tag of “Cleanest house in and they should be provided with the locality”. gloves, masks and waterproof boots. 4. Using various media platforms such as TV, radio, social media, etc. to

spread awareness about SWM. Social Spreading awareness media platforms could serve as a better platform to attract the attention of 1. Children can become leaders of youth. change by initiating a dialogue at home and in the locality. They have the Monitoring capability to lead generational change 1. Strict penalties should be imposed by inculcating and spreading good on defaulters practices. Therefore, schools could 2. A helpline number/app should be serve as a great medium to connect to launched for the citizens to register them. Creating clubs in schools and complaints and receive timely response taking initiatives such as: 3. Accountability of officials and a) Oath-ceremony workers should be ensured by regular b) Collection of plastic bottles by and surprise visits children and its submission in school to 4. CCTVs should be installed at receive tokens to borrow books from locations where dumping is usually the library observed c) Holding drawing competitions, debates, essay writing on waste Employment opportunities disposal 1. Integration of informal workers, d) Conducting cleanliness drives who are directly engaged in the

collection of waste, into the formal 2. Utilizing various cultural and sector to provide them with regular religious festivals to spread awareness employment and also a sense of dignity about SWM that will serve as a motivation for them 3. Recognizing the efforts of to work efficiently. individuals/households/industries with 2. Entrepreneurship opportunities regard to SWM. This could motivate should be created in areas of waste others to follow. For instance, disposal, for instance recycling waste.

Finance generation

1. Compost should be sold to References farmers to generate revenue. Aggarwal, R. (2017, November 30). 2. The sale of other material such Alappuzha gets recognised by UNEP for its as plastic for recycling could further solid waste management practices. help in revenue generation. Www.Downtoearth.org.In. 3. Proper utilization of Center https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/waste/a schemes such as Swachta Bharat lappuzha-gets-recognized-by-unep-for-its- Abhiyaan to receive support in solid-waste-management-practices-59258 various capacities. ANI. (2020, July 24). Story Of 7-Year-Old

Cleaning Dal Lake Since 2 Years, Now Part Conclusion Of School Books. NDTV.com. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/jammu- The nationwide Covid-19 lockdown caused and-kashmir-7-year-old-girl-jannats-story-of- massive changes in the Solid Waste cleaning-dal-lake-in-hyderabad-school- Management in the country, such as an textbooks-2251675 increase in the amount of infectious and biomedical waste, and a decrease in the Bhat, Raja Muzaffar. (2020, September 22). percentage of Municipal solid waste (MSW) A trashed valley: Kashmir needs to segregate reaching landfills or dumpsites[13]. Keeping its waste at source. in view the changes arising from the Www.Downtoearth.org.In. prevalence of the pandemic, it is imperative https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/waste/a to take appropriate measures to conserve the -trashed-valley-kashmir-needs-to-segregate- environment and the beauty of Jammu and its-waste-at-source-73447 Kashmir. The introduced models have Bhat, Raja Muzzaffar. (2020, September 18). produced desirable results in the regions, Unscientific waste disposal in Wular. Greater where they have been implemented and could Kashmir. provide a way forward when consulted https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/opinio properly in the process of drawing up an n/unscientific-waste-disposal-in-wular/ action plan for Solid Waste Management in Jammu and Kashmir. Centre for Science and Environment. (2016, July 11). CSE’s Clean City Awards conferred

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