With strengthened waste management systems, Goa and Himachal Pradesh process nearly 98% of municipal solid waste using scientific methods. While the two states top the list, Punjab and the union territory of Chandigarh have also recorded significant proportions therein. As per reports, 250 MT of waste is collected in Goa every day and technological means based on scientific principles are deployed for its treatment.
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Reportedly, a central minister shared this information during the continuing monsoon session of the parliament. As per reports, nearly 68% of the municipal waste generated in the nation is treated with the use of scientific methods. Further, the minister asserted that more than 4,300 urban local bodies are deploying scientific measures for dealing with municipal waste.
Reportedly, 97% of municipal wards in the country are executing interventions for doorstep collection of waste and 81% of these are involved in the process of 100% waste segregation. Further, the activities like the production of compost and electricity from waste, biomethanisation, material recovery facilities and recycling of construction and demolition waste are also being undertaken.
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The central government is also working on plans for replacing manual scavenging with machines. Besides, social inclusion programs are being rolled out for manual scavengers and their family members.
These individuals and their dependents will be employed in a range of sectors with skill development and low-rate loans for self-employment projects will also be provided. Additionally, the administration has also focused its efforts on getting sanitation-related instruments or vehicles for automated cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.
- With inputs from TOI
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