Examination the Solid Waste Management Policy in Uttar Pradesh: An Academic Review

Dr Abhay Singh

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Abstract

Uttar Pradesh, located in the core of India, is a state with a rich history of evolving cultures and religions. With a population of 19.96 crore, Uttar Pradesh is the fourth-largest state in the country and is home to 648 out of 4041 statutory towns. Between 2001 and 2011, Uttar Pradesh hosted 16.50% of the total population and 11.80% of the urban population. The state is divided into 75 districts and 653 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). The policy aims to promote cleanliness standards in Uttar Pradesh's towns and cities, focusing on waste reduction, reuse, recycling, recovery, and optimal utilization of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Waste generators, resident welfare and market associations, gated communities, institutions, hotels, and restaurants also play a crucial role in waste management. Waste generators store waste in three separate streams: biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and domestic hazardous wastes, using suitable bins. Resident welfare and market associations ensure waste segregation at source, facilitate collection of segregated waste in separate streams, and hand over recyclable materials to authorized pickers or recyclers. The District Magistrate plays a crucial role in solid waste management strategies, facilitating land identification and allocation for waste processing and disposal facilities. They collaborate with the Secretary-in-charge of the State Urban Development Department and conduct quarterly performance reviews to assess waste segregation, processing, treatment, and disposal methods. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are responsible for formulating bylaws and strengthening their organizational structure to ensure effective waste management. They should promote source segregation of waste, promoting recovery, reuse, and recycling principles. ULBs should organize door-to-door collection of segregated solid waste from households, integrating waste picker organizations and informal waste collectors, and facilitating the formation of Self Help Groups. They should also encourage the establishment of decentralized compost plants or bio-methanation plants near markets, ensuring hygienic conditions. Larger associations and Townships should segregate waste at the source, separating valuable dry waste and bio-degradable waste. Local bodies should provide property tax relief to households, integrated townships, and hi-tech townships that achieve zero waste. Waste transportation and monitoring involve transporting segregated biodegradable waste to processing facilities, with a preference for on-site processing. Decentralized processing methods, such as bio-methanation, microbial composting, vermicomposting, and anaerobic digestion, are preferred for efficient waste management. The text emphasizes the importance of waste management in urban areas, focusing on waste-to-energy processes, waste-to-energy projects, and plastic-to-oil projects. It also emphasizes the need for waste-to-energy projects and plastic-to-oil projects. Inert waste disposal should end mixed waste dumping, allowing only non-usable, non-recyclable, non-biodegradable, non-combustible, and non-reactive inert waste and pre-processing rejects to go to a sanitary landfill. Waste management should be incorporated into master plans and developed into green spaces or parks. Sustainable practices and e-intervention should be promoted, with a ban on the use of prohibited plastics in daily activities and a ban on bio-mining and bio-remediation. Special Economic Zones, industrial estates, and parks should earmark at least 5% of the total area for recovery and recycling facilities. The use of chemical fertilizers should be phased out, and compost should be used in parks and gardens. The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) must enforce waste management rules, monitor environmental standards, and regulate inter-state waste movement. The Housing & Urban Planning Department, Housing Boards, Development Authorities, and Private Builders must prioritize waste management in planning commercial and residential colonies, enforce extended producer responsibility, and empower the urban poor for waste management. Urban waste management is a significant challenge that requires collaboration from various sectors, including Housing & Urban Planning Department, private builders, and manufacturers. To enhance waste management, recommendations include enhanced inter-sector collaboration, strengthened regulatory compliance, investment in waste-to-energy infrastructure, promotion of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), empowerment and education, and research and development. These efforts aim to create sustainable cities where waste is systematically managed, and resources are optimally utilized.

Keywords

Uttar Pradesh, Population, Statutory towns, Urban population, Districts, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Waste generators, Resident welfare and market associations, Waste segregation, District Magistrate, State Urban Development Department, Waste processing, Waste disposal, Bylaws, Door-to-door collection.

July-Dec 2023, Volume 1

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