The escalating challenge of managing the burgeoning volumes of solid waste generated daily poses a formidable obstacle to environmental sustainability. As urbanization and industrialization surge, the compounding issue of waste disposal intensifies. The impediments in disposing of these massive quantities of discarded solid wastes are multifaceted. Inadequate waste management infrastructure, insufficient public awareness, and regulatory shortcomings contribute to the proliferation of landfills and the haphazard dumping of refuse, exacerbating environmental degradation. Furthermore, the pressing concern extends beyond the sheer volume of waste to the safe removal of toxic substances that accumulate in our habitable environments. The persistent presence of hazardous materials poses a severe threat to ecosystems and public health. Addressing these challenges necessitates a comprehensive approach, involving innovative waste management strategies, robust regulatory frameworks, and heightened awareness to ensure the responsible and sustainable disposal of solid waste while safeguarding against the perils of toxic accumulation.
Tag: Environmental pollution and degradation.
Decoding the Question:
- In the Intro, write about the status of solid waste generation in India and its underlying cause.
- In Body,
- Discuss the main impediments in disposing of solid wastes.
- Discuss ways of safe removal of toxic wastes.
- Conclude with the suggestive measures in a futuristic tone.
Answer:
Solid waste is the unwanted or useless solid materials generated from human activities in residential, industrial or commercial areas. Solid wastes can be broadly categorized as municipal wastes, hazardous wastes, and biomedical wastes.
Presently in India, about 960 million tonnes of solid waste is being generated annually as by-products during industrial, mining, municipal, agricultural and other processes. Of this 350 million tonnes are organic wastes, 290 million tonnes are inorganic waste and 4.5 million tonnes are toxic in nature. But approximately 90% of waste generated is dumped rather than properly disposed of.
Impediments in disposing huge quantities of discarded solid waste and disposal of solid waste is biggest problem due to the challenges like:
- Treatment and disposal: According to NITI Ayog, urban areas generate 170,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste each day. While the urban local bodies (ULBs) spend about Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,500 per tonne on solid waste management. Out of this 60% – 70% is spent on the collection, 20% – 30% on transportation but almost nothing on treatment and disposal.
- Technological Limitations: Some types of waste, such as hazardous or electronic waste, require specialized technologies for safe disposal. Lack of access to such technologies or knowledge about proper handling can result in these waste types being improperly disposed of, causing environmental contamination.
- Rapid Urbanization and Population Growth: Urban areas often generate higher amounts of waste due to population density and increased consumption. Rapid urbanization without corresponding waste management infrastructure can lead to uncontrolled waste accumulation. This is evident in overcrowded urban areas where waste management systems struggle to keep up with the pace of waste generation.
- Lack of Recycling Facilities and Markets: While recycling is an essential component of waste management, the lack of recycling facilities and markets for recyclable materials can limit effective waste reduction efforts. In some cases, even if waste is separated for recycling, there might be no local facilities to process the materials.
- NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) Syndrome: Even when waste management solutions are proposed, local communities might resist the establishment of waste disposal facilities, such as landfills or incinerators, due to concerns about environmental and health impacts in their vicinity. This can lead to delays and complications in finding suitable disposal sites.
- Rampant consumerism: “Use and throw mentality”, buying new mobiles & electronic gadgets every 6 months, Mineral water bottles, Soda cups, Shopping bags. Fast Food outlets provide take-home food containers made-up of plastic.
Ways to Safe Disposal of Toxic Waste:
- Identification and Characterization: The first step is to identify the sources of toxic waste and assess their characteristics. This involves determining the types and quantities of hazardous substances present, as well as their potential risks to human health and the environment. For example, toxic waste could include hazardous chemicals, heavy metals, radioactive materials, and electronic waste.
- Containment and Isolation: If possible, toxic wastes should be contained and isolated to prevent further spreading and contamination. This might involve sealing off contaminated areas, using barriers to prevent the movement of pollutants, and implementing measures to prevent leaching into soil and water sources. For example the construction of engineered landfills for hazardous waste disposal, with proper liners and containment systems to minimise environmental impact.
- Remediation and Cleanup: Depending on the extent of contamination, remediation methods may be necessary to clean up polluted sites. These methods can include soil and water treatment, bioremediation, and physical or chemical processes to remove or neutralise toxic substances.
- Specialised Disposal and Treatment: Some toxic wastes require specialised treatment or disposal methods to ensure their safe removal. This might involve high-temperature incineration, chemical stabilisation, or vitrification (converting waste into glass-like materials) for hazardous materials that cannot be effectively treated through conventional means.
- Recycling and Reclamation: Whenever possible, toxic waste materials that can be recycled or reclaimed should undergo appropriate processes to recover valuable components and reduce overall waste volume. Electronics containing hazardous materials, such as lead in batteries or mercury in lighting devices, can be carefully disassembled and processed for material recovery.
Conclusion
By 2030, in India more than 33% of the total population will be living in cities. Poor governance of urban areas needs to be improved. SDG Goal 11 requires human settlements to become inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Effective solid waste management, and removal of toxic elements from habitable environments is therefore the need of the hour.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
