INWASTER TIMES
SUMMARY OF WASTE NEWS FOR ZERO WASTE LOVERS !
HUL and UNDP successfully implement robust plastic waste management model in Mumbai
20/09/2020
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has helped collect and segregate dry waste including nearly 2500 tonnes of plastic waste. The program was implemented with the support of the Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Consumer Citizen groups such as the Swachh Parle Abhiyan who played an important role in driving awareness around the collection and segregation of plastic waste at source. Over 500 Safai Sathis(waste collectors) onboarded by the project has impacted more than 33,000 households across three wards of Mumbai – K-East (Andheri East), H-West (Bandra West) and R-North (Dahisar). The technology-powered plastic waste material-recovery model will enhance segregation, collection, and recycling of all kinds of plastic waste along the value chain, creating resource efficiency and supporting a circular economy and will soon be scaled up to cover other parts of the city.
NGT considering fining e-commerce firms Amazon, Flipkart for excess plastic use
20/09/2020
In response to a plea filed by a 16-year-old boy, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) expressed its displeasure at the use of excessive of plastic in packaging by e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart, and suggested that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) conduct an environmental audit and then recover fines from the two companies for violating green norms. The green panel also said the CPCB could also consider ordering an environmental audit following due process of law. Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016) defined the duties of e-commerce firms, and Amazon and Flipkart are required to establish a system for collecting back the plastic waste generated due to the packaging of their products, under ‘extended producer responsibility’. But because of the lack of monitoring and implementation of the rules, plastic packaging has become a serious environmental challenge.
Noida Gets Rs 2.5 Cr Facility For Monitoring Waste Management
20/09/2020
Noida’s 'Integrated Control and Command Centre' (ICCC) for solid waste management has come up in Sector 39 premises of the Noida Authority complex with support of the HCL Foundation. The state-of-the-art Rs 2.5 crore facility will allow monitoring of solid waste management, including tracking of door-to-door garbage collection. The ICCC will broadly have three systems for vehicle tracking, incident management and attendance tracking. In-vehicle tracking, there will be monitoring of vehicles engaged in door-to-door garbage collection, mechanical sweeping and other vehicles belonging to the Noida Authority. For incident management, there are 'Noida Citizen Grievance App', 'Swachhta App' besides a 'WhatsApp complaint number' that can be used by the citizens
Waste segregation order for Calcutta complexes
20/09/2020
Bye-laws notified by the State government for Kolkata state that all housing complexes in the city have to segregate waste at source or pay a fine. The residents’ welfare associations of housing complexes, with help from the Municipal Corporation, have to create a mechanism for waste segregation. The bye-laws also make it compulsory for anyone organizing a gathering of 100 or more people in an “unlicensed place”, which can be a house or a ground in the locality, to inform the Calcutta Municipal Corporation about the event and must ensure that waste is segregated before it is handed over to municipal solid waste cleaners. The waste has to be segregated into three categories and put in different bins -- biodegradable or wet waste in green bins, non-biodegradable or dry waste in blue bins and domestic hazardous waste in black bins.
Kerala to implement Rs 2,100cr solid-waste project with World Bank aid
20/09/2020
The Kerala Government will be implementing a solid-waste management project worth Rs 21,00 crore in the state. Local bodies in the state are already receiving funds to the tune of Rs 630 Crore as their share of the project allocation and the remaining amount shall be extended on loan by the World Bank. The project will be implemented in three phases over 6 years. The first one involves empowerment and technical support. In the second phase, preparations would be made at the local level to implement the project and in the final phase, additional resources will be arranged for sanitation. The project also aims to coordinate eco-friendly activities in the areas where they are implemented. Moreover, there would be a system to hear the grievances of local people and find solutions.
Godrej Agrovet recognized as an “Innovative Environmental Project” for their efforts in Waste Management
20/09/2020
The Godrej Agrovet Oil Palm Plantation (OPP) plant in Seethanagram was honored with the “CII Environmental Best Practices Award 2020” and recognized as an “Innovative Environmental Project” for their efforts in Waste Management earlier last month. Over 99% of the plant’s energy comes from renewable sources and the plant sends no waste to landfills. All organic waste from the palm fruit bunches are either processed and reused in the plant boiler fuel (renewable energy) or sold off. The Godrej Agrovet plant in Chintampalli has also been honored as an “Excellent Energy Efficient Unit” at the 21st National Award for Excellence in Energy Management 2020 based on its performance and achievement in energy efficiency.
Uniforms and ID cards for Ghaziabad ragpickers
20/09/2020
To integrate ragpickers into the organized sector with recycled product manufacturers, Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation has decided to register them with the department and give them a uniform and identity cards. The GMC will also buy waste plastic, iron and paper from the estimated 12,000 ragpickers in the district a little over market rates, and use them for manufacturing roads, flowerpots, file holders, benches, among other items which are needed by the civic body to maintain parks and meet office requirements. The corporation also plans to assist them in opening bank accounts, so that money for their products is paid daily. Apart from ragpickers, scrap dealers and units manufacturing recycled products will also be integrated.
Nirmalaya collection drive moves from ghats to doorsteps in Pune
08/09/2020
Citizens in Pune this year were able to handover Nirmalya (dried and leftover Puja offerings) to SWaCH waste pickers at their doorstep to be sent for organic composting separately. Nirmalya collection was done on the important days of visarjan, on 30th August and 2nd September. Every year waste-pickers of SWaCH in partnership with PMC, and other corporate partners collect Nirmalya at Visarjan ghats and help divert 100+ Tonnes of Nirmalya from rivers towards composting. This year due to the Covid 19 situation, the waste collection agency distributed 11,000 special bags to their network of 3500 waste pickers just for Nirmalya collection and requested citizens to hand over the Nirmalya offerings to their Door Step SWaCH waste-picker to be sent for organic composting.
Sudha Murthy offers 1 crore donation for Tirupati waste management
08/09/2020
Board member of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Sudha Narayana Murthy has offered Rs 1 crore donation to the TTD for adopting a sophisticated technology for the conversion of garbage on the Tirumala hill into compost. The board has proposed to provide the compost generated to be supplied to farmers on a no-profit basis. The board is also considering to donate one cow to each temple under the TTD control. This is aimed at the promotion of cow protection.
Hulladek recycling starts green ambassador program for Kolkata students
08/09/2020
Kolkata based e-waste management company Hulladeck has launched a 1 month volunteer program for students aged 15 and above. The ‘Green Ambassador Program’ aims to create awareness about recycling, e-waste management and sustainability among the city students, by providing them exposure in exposure in digital marketing and social media, public relations, corporate communication, in regards to start-ups and e-waste management projects. The students will work online from their homes at their convenience and at the end of the program submit a report on their project. Successful students will be given a certificate at the end of the program.
Residents of Mysuru RWA solve problem of waste management by themselves
08/09/2020
Residents of a locality on the outskirts of Mysuru city, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Layout II Stage, have come up with a solution themselves for the efficient disposal and management of waste. Tired of the apathetic attitude of both the administrative and the civic bodies towards sanitation and waste disposal facilities, the residents decided to take action themselves. They got together to start ‘Samana Manaskara Vedike’ to oversee the collection and disposal of solid waste. The outfit collected Rs 50 per household per month, and with the money collected, an auto-tipper was arranged to collect the waste generated in the locality which was subsequently dispatched to the nearest solid waste management (SWM) unit.
IIT Madras develops new method to dispose of toxic pharmaceutical waste
08/09/2020
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) and researchers from Stuttgart University, Germany have developed a new method that can be used to safely dispose of toxic pharmaceutical wastewater sludge. The technique developed called ‘co-composting’ helps degrade pharmaceuticals and personal care products, that are less susceptible to biodegradation, with the addition of mixed organic waste and coir pith during septage composting by providing an appropriate conducive environment for significant carbamazepine removal. The institute claims that In-vessel 'co-composting' of septage can be considered as a resource recovery option for septage treatment. Such 'co-composting' facilities have been established in various villages across India and the team is in talks with the Centre for setting up more such facilities.
Pune 15th cleanest city in India in Swachh Survekshan 2020
08/09/2020
Pune has ranked 15th in the country in the Swachh Survekshan 2020 rankings, a significant improvement over last year’s 37th rank. Along with the PMC officials, the Municipal Corporation also roped in private players for improving the performance. An agency was appointed to conduct a survey for Swachh Bharat Mission in a bid to make Pune the cleanest city. The civic body also organized multiple awareness drives to increase its ranking and along with initiatives such as murals bearing messages of the importance of cleanliness, human chains, and a ‘plog-a-thon’ in which 19 tonnes of garbage was collected. PMC’s elected members also went on a study tour of Indore, to learn from their successful initiatives.
Indore adjudged India's cleanest city for the fourth straight year
08/09/2020
Indore, the industrial hub of Madhya Pradesh, was adjudged India's cleanest city in the central government’s cleanliness survey Swachh Sarvekshan 2020 for the fourth straight year. The survey was conducted in 4,242 cities in the country in which 1.9 crore people gave their opinions. The city has a capacity to dispose of about 1,200 tonnes of waste - 550 tonnes of wet and 650 tonnes of dry waste in a secured manner daily and nearly 8,500 sanitation staffers work in three shifts- from 6 am to 4 am- daily to clean the city. The city has no waste collection containers and nearly 700 vehicles of the civic body collect dry and wet waste, including diapers and sanitary napkins, and segregate them for their safe disposal. Participation of over 35 lakh population, hard work of 8,500 sanitation workers, innovative steps taken for waste management and its processing and key financial measures helped Indore get the top position.
Ramky Enviro commences Sagar Municipal Solid Waste management project
08/09/2020
India’s leading environmental services provider, Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited (REEL) commenced an integrated waste management project at Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. The plant will facilitate novel waste management methods using high-end technological solutions. It will deploy modern systems for door-to-door collection of waste, transfer station management and a processing and disposal facility. A cluster of 10 urban local bodies (ULBs) namely, Sagar, Grahakota, Rahatgarh, Banda, Rehli, Deori, Shahgarh, Shahpur, Makronia and Bina will be serviced by the plant thus managing around 350 metric tonnes (MT) of municipal solid waste every day. The project, being implemented at a cost of over Rs 70 crore, includes the construction of a processing plant at Sagar and one transfer station at each of the 10 participating ULBs.
Uttarakhand govt starts the process of setting up six plants for generating electricity from solid waste
26/08/2020
To take an advanced step towards solid waste management, the Uttarakhand government has started working on projects to generate electricity from solid waste in the state. Madan Kaushik, minister for urban development in the state has asked officials to make a detailed plan regarding the setting up of six plants in Roorkee, Rudrapur, Kashipur, Haldwani, Rishikesh and Kotdwar where electricity can be generated from solid waste in the state. As per the records of the pollution control board, around 300 megawatts of electricity can be generated from the waste generated in the state. Under the project, a biogas plant is to be set up with the help of the Indian Oil Corporation in Haridwar and a waste-to-energy plant in Roorkee.
South Delhi Municipal Corporation gets Rs 43 crore for dust, waste management
26/08/2020
To implement dust combating measures and augment waste management facilities, South Delhi Municipal Corporation has received Rs 43 crore from the Centre under the urban development fund (UDF) scheme for the current financial year. The fund will be utilized for strengthening and resurfacing damaged roads at 12 places, with the expected cost to be around Rs 20 crore. Regarding the development of 15 decentralized waste treatment plants and laying pipelines at different places, Rs 7 crore has been allocated. Meanwhile, Rs 3.7 crore and Rs 12 crore has been earmarked for buying five electric roads sweeping machines and for installing drum composters for solid waste treatment at the ward level, respectively.
Ecowrap and Adva Enviro Solutions Pvt Ltd among top 10 Tech-based Social Enterprises focused on SDG
26/08/2020
Atal Incubation Centre at the International Institute of Information Technology (AIC-IIITH) has selected 10 startups for its flagship Akash incubation program for tech-based social enterprises working on Sustainable Development goals. AIC-IIITH received 100 applications from 17 states, out of which 17 were selected for the final round. Ecowrap and Adva Enviro Solutions Pvt Ltd are among the top 10 Tech-based Social Enterprises selected. Adva Enviro Solutions Pvt Ltd is fighting water crisis in India through mass action approach using innovative water conservation techniques to make ground water-rich and promote people to conserve rainwater. Ecowrap is an end-to-end integrated waste management solution for the Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes (HORECA) sector to address illegal dumping of waste into landfills causing pollution.
North Eastern Frontier Railways initiatives for environment-friendly waste management
26/08/2020
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has undertaken a number of environment-friendly projects for disposal of solid waste generated at railway terminals. Segregation of Multiple Solid Waste at 10 locations across NFR namely Katihar, New Jalpaiguri, Rangiya, Kamakhya, Guwahati, Lumding, Dimapur, New Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Silchar is already in operation. An Incinerator has been installed at Kamakhya Coaching Depot and Bio-digester plants installed in Guwahati and Maligaon. A bio-methanation plant at the NF Railway Central Hospital in Maligaon is also under installation and planned to be commissioned shortly. The average Bio-gas generation per day will be 9.0 cum for per plant of 50 kg capacity and the total Biogas generation will be 18.0 cum for 100 kg plant which is equivalent to half LPG commercial cylinder and can be used for various purposes.
PM Modi inaugurates Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra and a week-long garbage-free India campaign
26/08/2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra, an interactive experience centre on the Swachh Bharat Mission, on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of Gandhiji's Champaran Satyagraha. The Swachh Bharat Mission has transformed rural sanitation in India and has changed the behaviors of over 55 crore people from open defecation to using a toilet. The installations at RSK will introduce future generations to the successful journey of the world's largest behaviour change campaign, through a balanced mix of digital and outdoor installations. On the occasion, he also Launched a week-long garbage-free India campaign in the run up to Independence Day, called Gandagi Mukt Bharat.
IGNOU offers a certificate course in Solid Waste Management
26/08/2020
To overcome the problems of waste management, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has begun a certificate programme in Solid Waste Management from the July 2020 session. The objective of the programme is to sensitize the learners about the problem of waste generation and its impact on the environment and human health. It also aims to familiarize the learners with existing legislation, knowledge, and practices regarding Waste Management in the country. The duration of the programme is a minimum of six months and a maximum of two years and offered through distance learning mode in Hindi. Interested and eligible candidates can apply for the programme online at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in on or before August 16, 2020.
Housing societies devise Covid waste rules for Calcutta
26/08/2020
State pollution control board guidelines speak about the segregated collection of biohazardous waste and solid waste from Covid-hit families, but most housing societies have devised their own methods to collect and dispose of such waste.
An upscale housing complex in south Calcutta and many others along the bypass have prepared their own waste management protocol, which includes a daily collection of waste from the Covid-hit family by members of their staff in PPEs and dumping it in the common vat where garbage from others flats is dumped.
Disposed PPE could be turned into biofuel, say, Indian scientists
26/08/2020
According to a study, published in the journal Biofuels, billions of items of disposable PPE can be converted from its plastic state into biofuels using a high-temperature chemical process called pyrolysis. According to the researchers, when plastic materials like PPE are discharged into the environment they end up in landfills or oceans, as their natural degradation is difficult at ambient temperature. In the study, the scientists explored the current policies around the disposal of PPEs, their polypropylene content, and the feasibility of converting them into biofuel. Based on their analysis, the scientists call for the PPE waste to be converted into fuel using pyrolysis -- a chemical process for breaking down the plastic at high temperature between 300 to 200 degree Celsius for an hour without oxygen.
Singapore-based NGO to invest up to $100 mn on environmental projects in India
12/08/2020
Alliance to End Plastic Waste, a Singapore-based-NGO working in the environmental sector, plans to invest between USD 70 million to 100 million in India over the next five years to majorly reduce plastic waste, according to the top official of the organization. The Alliance is already working on many projects with more in the pipeline; the latest being the Aviral Reducing Plastic Waste in the Ganga Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The initiative, which was announced on July 28, coinciding with Nature Conservative Day, aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the environment in the northern Indian cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Waste pickers from Delhi-NCR write to Centre for inclusiveness rights
12/08/2020
A group of over 12,000 waste pickers, doorstep waste collectors and other recyclers from Delhi-NCR belonging to the group ‘Safai Sena’ have written to the center in response to the United Framework for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. Their letter addresses the need for more inclusiveness for waste pickers along with a well-defined role in the framework. The EPR makes producers accountable for recycling the waste being generated but it needs to be focused around waste pickers instead of pivoting around producer responsibility organizations (PROs). There are approximately 1,000-4,000 informal and unregistered plastic recycling and manufacturing units in India and the government have to ensure that these do not get shut down and instead are upgraded for more efficient plastic recycling.
Low-Cost Bedrolls Made by Upcycling Scrap from PPE Manufacturers
12/08/2020
Lakshmi Menon a well-known eco-innovator in Ernakulam, Kerala has come up with an eco-friendly mattress named Shayya, that aims to solve two pressing issues: waste management and the lack of bedding at many COVID care centers. These lightweight bedrolls are made from the scraps of the material leftover from the stitching of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) gowns. The material contains plastic and has to be disposed of or recycled by a professional agency which small tailors cannot afford, so they burn it. The method of making these mattresses requires no thread or needle, and the bed remains strong and sturdy. The material is water-proof, and it can be cleaned by washing in soap water and allowing it to dry. The beds are utilizing scrap materials and also providing livelihood to women who lost jobs due to the COVID 19 situation.
Punjab to use bar codes for managing infectious biomedical waste
12/08/2020
To ensure the scientific management of biomedical waste, the Bar code system is being used in all government and private hospitals across the State. GPS systems have also been installed in vehicles which carry the waste to the Common Bio-medical Waste Treatment and Disposal Facility (CBWTF). This mechanism is proving a milestone to save the environment of Punjab and prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and Hepatitis among the populations. Dedicated State advisory committee and District Level monitoring committees are constituted in all the districts as per the guidelines and regular meetings are being conducted to ensure the scientific management of biomedical waste across the State.
RMRC Bhubaneswar develops UV sanitized dustbin
12/08/2020
Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) Bhubaneswar has developed a UV sanitized dustbin with the help of a start-up Home Act. The dustbin has ultraviolet (UV) lights which can neutralize the virus and other pathogens making it safe to handle the waste. The dustbin has a sensor that opens the flap on the dustbin if anybody throws waste materials into it. After a few seconds, the flap automatically gets closed. After the waste materials enter into it, the sensors fitted in the bin switch on UV lights for a considerable period to neutralize the virus. The dustbin neutralizes all the pathogens in it and makes it safe to be handled by the sanitation workers for proper disposal. Also, if any person goes near to the dustbin, the UV lights get switched off, making it safe to use it.
South Mumbai residents collect over two lakh used milk bags for recycling
12/08/2020
Kunti Oza of 'Clean Mumbai Foundation', Hansu Pardiwala and Chitra Hiremath of 'Garbage Free India' initiated the Milk Bag Project in South Mumbai and have collected over 2,45,000 used milk bags in last ten months. The project was initiated in Cuffe Parade and the immediate surrounding areas and was also joined with by several institutions such as the World Trade Center, IDBI, Cricket Club of India (CCI), Bombay Stock Exchange, Leopold Café, Hotel Diplomat, Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA), Sailors Home, LIC, US Club, Fort Convent School, Royal Bombay Yacht Club, and the Indian Merchants’ Chamber (IMC) who have regularly given their milk bags. The groups tied up with a registered recycler, Dalmia Polypro Industries Pvt. Ltd, to help with the collection and recycling of the milk bags. The project has totally saved over 700 kgs of milk bags from going into the landfills, water bodies in ten months.
Pathankot Corporation to construct compost pits in 35 government schools to make city garbage free
12/08/2020
Pathankot Municipal Corporation has initiated a composting project with schools to make the city garbage-free. For this, the pit will be built by the Municipal Corporation in about 35 government schools of the city, for which survey has already started. Students will be engaged in the process of composting to prepare manure. Private schools will also be engaged and provided awareness. These schools will be encouraged to prepare the pit themselves. They will also train children to keep their school clean. The aim of the project of making compost from the garbage in schools is that children will go home and educate their parents about separating wet and dry garbage and the project will help to make the city zero waste.
Multilayer plastic reuse project to be started soon in Patiala
12/08/2020
To reduce plastic pollution in Punjab, the Punjab Plastic Waste Management Society (PPWMS) and the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) run project to reuse multilayer plastic will restart soon. The project was closed for four months and the society was unable to meet the set target of 12000 tons for 2020. Now the member secretary has written a letter to the said society and directed to start this project soon. Under the project, the multilayer plastic is collected and shredded. The small pieces are used for road construction. At the same time, oil is extracted from these plastics like furnace oil, which is used for burning. Under the project implemented in Punjab, on the instructions of PPCB, Mandi Board and PWD B&R were involved in the work of roads.
Maharashtra: 30 common facilities set up for scientific disposal of Covid-19 bio-medical waste
23/07/2020
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) authorities have set up 30 common facilities for scientific disposal of the bio-medical waste generated by coronavirus disease (Covid-19) generated across the state. Contaminated bio-medical waste from these centers is being collected by the common treatment facility operators for scientific disposal at separate, dedicated sites. 82℅ of urban local bodies in Maharashtra have set up separate teams for the collection of contaminated Covid-19 waste. Waste generated at Covid-19 treatment centers, isolation and quarantine facilities are being disposed of in accordance with provisions of the Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2000, by burying them in deep pits at civic dumping grounds.
Ambikapur’s sanitation sisters supply compost to Ranchi
23/07/2020
The compost manure prepared from wet waste collected from model town Ambikar is being supplied miles away to Ranchi as well. The entire garbage management in the city is done by women Swachhta Didis. 457 women are engaged in the different waste management activities and earn income by selling dry waste, and processing wet waste into compost. The Municipal Corporation has installed a composting machine in Bhihtikala adjoining the city, where the wet waste of the city, collected by Swacchta Didis is turned into compost. About 1000 tons of compost manure is prepared in a year which is used by the Municipal Corporation in its different gardens, plantations and also sold to farmers and others citizens.
Indian waste management tech listed among top 5 start-ups working with global smart cities
23/07/2020
Indian firm, Flycatcher Technologies, has been ranked by a global start-up scouting outfit StartUs Insights as one of the top five waste management start-ups that are working with global smart cities to tackle solid waste management. The company provides end-to-end solutions for waste management, through its highly advanced bio-digesters. The bio-digesters feed off wet-waste to generate both bio-gas as well as natural fertiliser and do not leave any residue behind after the treatment. The material which is used to build the digesters itself is recyclable too. Flycatcher Technologies' waste management tech has been adopted by the Corporation of the City of Panaji in Goa to decentralize the processing of daily waste while also cutting down on operational costs.
Rajiv Gandhi University hosts online workshop on Swachhta & Jalshakti
23/07/2020
The NSS Cell of Rajiv Gandhi University at Doimukh in Arunachal Pradesh conducted a day-long online workshop for NSS volunteers on ‘Swachhta & Jalshakti’. The workshop was organized by the central university in collaboration with Mahatma Gandhi National Council of Rural Education under the Education Department of Human Resource Development Ministry. It aimed to introduce the aspects of Swachhta and Jalshakti Campus and to enable higher educational institutions to work with people of rural and urban India in identifying challenges and evolving appropriate solutions for accelerating sustainable sanitation and water management. The sessions stressed on creation of teams and ‘Standard Operating Procedures’ that can fix responsibility on the persons (including NSS volunteers).
Youth groups make people aware of plastic bag harms on International Plastic Bags Free day
23/07/2020
On the occasion of International Plastic Bags Free Day, youth groups in Varanasi took up multiple activities to make people aware of plastic pollution. BHU alumnus Ravi goes shop to shop to create awareness about plastic bags. A group of youngsters, including Jyoti Kumari of the organization Lead, give away paper periodically give away paper bags to vegetable vendors and cart sellers at their own expense to make them aware not to use plastic bags. Similarly, members of Base India organization also distribute bags of clothes and advise people to avoid plastic bags
MahaRERA goes 100% digital with zero paper & zero footfall
23/07/2020
The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) is going 100 percent digital with zero paper & zero footfall. The regulatory authority was already doing online hearings of urgent matter through video conferencing (VC) during the lockdown. It has now also virtualized its complaint management information technology (IT) application, so that the entire procedure including the filing of complaints, reply by respondents, counter replies by both complainants and respondents, hearings, judgments, etc. is done online, from home, without the need to visit MahaRERA Office. They are also encouraging Online/e-meetings for every interaction, including meetings for doubt clarifications.
Housing and Urban Affairs Minister launches toolkit for Swachh Survekshan 2021
23/07/2020
Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched the toolkit for the 6th edition of the annual cleanliness survey- Swachh Survekshan-2021. This edition has been redesigned innovatively, to make the process robust and sustaining behavior change. The Swachh Survekshan-2021 indicators focus on parameters pertaining to wastewater treatment and reuse along with faecal sludge. The previous criteria of evaluating cities on the population category have been replaced by categorizing cities on the basis of six select indicator-wise performance criteria. More attention has been given to citizen participation by introducing indicators that encourage innovations led by citizens, start-ups, entrepreneurs and Swachhata Champions amongst others. A new category of awards titled Prerak Dauur Samman has also been introduced.
Online Training by CSE on Sustainable Plastic Waste Management
23/07/2020
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has been working on policy and advocacy for sustainable plastic waste management. Recognizing the need to adopt resource-efficient waste management regimes, it has conceptualized a 2-week online training programme on ‘Sustainable Plastic Waste Management. The objective of the programme is to provide a better understanding of the key aspects of plastic waste management in India and international case studies, legal aspect and alternatives to plastic. The course would help the participant to lead a plastic-free life, make conscious purchasing and consumption, and contribute to strengthen and foster Circular Economy. The 19-hour training is online with a mix of interactive sessions with subject matter experts, on-demand literature, virtual presentations and cases studies and self-assessments.
Amazon India Eliminates Single-use Plastics In Its Packaging Across India
12/07/2020
Amazon India announced that it has eliminated all single-use plastic in packaging originating from its 50-plus fulfillment centers in the country. In addition to replacing packaging materials such as bubble wraps and air pillows with "paper cushions", it has also swapped out packaging tapes with other bio-degradable options. the COVID-19 pandemic had slowed down some of their work, but Amazon India managed to meet its target as the unit had started on the elimination project even before the national lockdown was imposed.
Kerala's automated scientific mask disposal unit draws attention
12/07/2020
Kerala's automated machine for scientific disposal of used masks and gloves has generated interest in Maharashtra amid the rising use of masks among people. Kochi based VST Mobility Solutions has launched this automated mask disposal machine to help combat the Covid-19. The IoT-based BIN-19 is used for collecting and disinfecting used face-mask. The person dropping the mask can sanitize her hands with the help of the automatic sanitizer dispenser attached and there is no need to touch or operate any switches in the bin. All functions are automated in the hands-free equipment for the safety of users and health workers.
Centre launches a framework to make producers manage plastic
12/07/2020
A uniform Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) framework has been released by Union environment ministry with provisions to impose penalties on producers if they fail to meet their targeted collection. Four years after making producers responsible for managing plastic waste in the country, the Centre has proposed a framework with three different models to be adopted by manufacturers, importers and brand owners to handle the waste. Introduction of a system of plastic credit, establishing Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) and setting up a fee-based mechanism are three different models available to producers of plastic products, including FMCG companies. The penalty money will be used for creating an infrastructure for plastic waste management.
Ramky Enviro launches Chhattisgarh’s largest solid waste management plant
12/07/2020
Ramky Enviro has launched Chhattisgarh’s largest solid waste management plant at Sakri, Raipur. The new plant is spread across 67 acres of land with a capacity to manage 700 tons a day of solid waste and a potential to generate 12 megawatts of power. Ramky has set up the plant at an outlay of Rs 197 crore under a 15-year contract with the Municipal Corporation of Raipur at Sakri near Raipur city. Ramky is currently operating the processing plant and scientific landfill at the location built under the public-private partnership model. The plant has the capacity to manage 700 to 1,000 tons of waste a day and is set to be the state’s first waste-to-power generation plant.
Nainital people protest by performing yoga in dumping ground
12/07/2020
In a unique protest against illegal dumping of waste in their vicinity, residents of Haldwani’s Indiranagar performed yoga against the illegal dumping ground at Gaulapaar. Amidst Covid-19, the locals protested with yoga while maintaining social distancing. Locals claimed that their repeated protests, petitions and prayers have fallen on deaf ears. According to locals, solid waste to the tune of 60-65 lakh tonnes has accumulated there over the last 7 years. Waste from Nainital town, Ramnagar town and Haldwani’s own garbage is dumped by local municipal bodies at the same spot. Not only this, but medical waste is also illegally dumped here too.
Goa: Vasco’s black spots get a novel makeover
12/07/2020
Numerous ‘blackspots’ mushroomed in the port town of Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) in Goa due to reckless roadside dumping by citizens. Even though door-to-door garbage collection is undertaken every day in all 25 wards and the black spots cleared regularly, MMC’s cleanliness efforts have been in vain. Some councilors came up with the idea to tackle the problem by beautifying these black spots with pavers and benches and convert them into public leisure areas. Eight such black spots have been converted in 4 wards across the council. Taking a cue from this success story, more councilors are joining in by self-financing these projects which cost around Rs 35,000 - 40,000 for beautifying a black spot.
Hulladek recycling launches contactless pickup and sanitization services in Kolkata
12/07/2020
Kolkata based e-waste management company Hulladek Recycling announced to launch contactless electronic and electrical waste pickup services in Kolkata. Adhering to strict safety regulations for the safety of the customers as well as logistics executives amidst Covid-19, Hulladek has started the contactless services in the city. The service has also been launched in Bhubaneswar, Shillong, Guwahati, Jamshedpur, Dimapur, Kohima and Agartala along with Kolkata. Hulladek in association with AdmyBin is also providing sanitization services for workplaces, warehouses, factories and residential complexes in Kolkata and its suburbs up to 75 kms. Within 1 hour of the completion of the process, people can access the area without any problem. Post the process, the organization or residential complex is also given a certificate from Hulladek.
Ahmedabad Start-up Develops AI Robot That Segregates 5 Tonnes of Waste In An Hour
12/07/2020
To address the twin problems of recycling waste and curbing the health risks of ragpickers, Ahmedabad-based start-up, Ishitva Robotic Systems (IRS), has come up with an IoT-enabled device automatically sorts or segregates waste that can be recycled. Named as ‘Sanjivani’, the device automatically segregates waste into multiple bins or chambers based on polymer type and brand without human intervention. The system has a modular design, and therefore, is suitable for smaller as well as larger towns. The robot can differentiate between dry waste and sort them into categories of recyclables and non-recyclables and has been supplied to commercial MRFs across the country.
DU To Set Up School Of Climate Change And Sustainability
30/06/2020
The Delhi University will be setting up a School of Climate Change and Sustainability (DSCC&S) under the Institute of Eminence Scheme, which will take up research in priority areas related to the environmental challenges. Professor C R Babu, an acclaimed Environmental Scientist, will head DSCC&S (honorary director). DSCC&S will take up research in priority areas like how to make our cities climate resilient? how to achieve sustainability in the face of environmental challenges?" the statement said.
The school will also generate the much-needed manpower in areas that manage sustainable developmental technologies in areas of energy, resource recycling, which include wastewater management and solid waste management and resource enhancement so that the development is sustainable.
Plastic waste management market is thriving worldwide
30/06/2020
A latest survey on Plastic Waste Management Market conducted by HTF Market Report provides the performance analysis of key and emerging players in the plastic waste management industry. The study is conducted by collecting data from various companies from the industry, and the base for coverage is NAICS standards. The study is a mix of qualitative and quantitative information covering market size breakdown of revenue and volume for data from 2014 to 2019 and forecasted till 2025. Some of the key & emerging players that are part of the coverage and have been profiled are Veolia Environnement, Suez Environnement, Waste Management, Republic Services, Stericycle, Clean Harbors, ADS Waste Holdings, Progressive Waste Solutions, Covanta Holding, Remondis, Parc, Kayama, Shirai, New COOP Tianbao, China Recycling Development, Luhai, Vanden, Fuhai Lantian & Shanghai Qihu.
Indian Navy's Ecological Conservation Programme
30/06/2020
On World Environment Day, June 05, 2020, the Indian Navy informed its steadfast focus towards a sustainable future. The 'Indian Navy Environment Conservation Roadmap' (INECR) has been the guiding document for this vision of the Indian Navy to add a green footprint to its blue water operations. Over the past few years, the Indian Navy has undertaken measures to revise fuel specifications and reduce pollution, commissioned Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) for treating waste generated onboard, reduce carbon footprint by utilization of electronic vehicles, reduction of overall power consumption through induction of energy-efficient equipment and adoption of renewable energy, and undertaken afforestation. All Naval units have adopted aggressive waste handling processes for collection, segregation and subsequent handling as per GoI Green norms. An Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility (ISWMF) is being set up at Naval station, Karwar, which includes a centralized waste segregation plant, Organic Waste Converter (OWC) for wet waste and a facility to handle dry/ unsegregated domestic waste.
Amrit And Garbage Management Will Get Money from 15th Central Finance Commission
30/06/2020
The amount of the 15th Central Finance Commission will now also be spent in the urban body Amrit and Garbage Management Scheme. The UP Urban Development Department has issued an advisory to this effect in view of the financial condition of the urban bodies. Amrit and Solid and Liquid Waste Management are to be done in the urban bodies, but due to poor financial condition, the work had not progressed. Due to this, all these bodies stopped working. Deepak Kumar, Principal Secretary, Municipal Development Department, said that a large part of the money received from the 15th Finance has not been spent so far. In such a situation, it has been decided to spend this amount in the Amrit and Garbage Management Scheme.
Recykal announces its partnership with UNDP-HCCB
30/06/2020
Recykal, a waste management digital technology company announced a pan-India partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd (HCCB) for Project Prithvi, a joint initiative for developing sustainable plastic waste management practices in the country. As part of this partnership, Recykal will leverage its cloud applications, mobile applications to raise consumer awareness on segregation and recycling. It will enable the collection, channelization of plastic waste from schools, colleges, corporates, RWAs, and bulk generators to connect with recyclers closing the loop of the recycling ecosystem. The initiative will also focus on the informal sector includes activities like providing soft skills training, the opening of bank accounts, enabling digital transactions for waste pickers, kabadiwalas, aggregators, etc.
Poetry film by Nestle India and HILLDAARI awaken a ray of hope for a better tomorrow
30/06/2020
This Environment Day Nestlé India released a poetry film under the project HILLDAARI in association with the Women's Liberation Organization and RECITY. The film titled “Let's Imagine a Healed World” features Anamika Joshi, a popular Poetic Performance Artist. In this Poetry film, Anamika is urging people to imagine a clean environment so that biodiversity flourishes. As we are experiencing nowadays during the lockdown. Poetry movie inspires people to create a new and better world. HILLDAARI's Poetry Film encourages collective efforts for a better tomorrow and strengthens the resolve for environmental protection. With the help of HILLDAARI initiative, 220 West collectors (informal waste collectors) and informal waste pickers are increasingly being worked towards professionalization.
Helo partners with Waste Warriors to launch #NamasteNature campaign
30/06/2020
The Centre issued has issued an advisory on reclaiming landfill sites, suggesting to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to treat and dispose of solid waste through environment-friendly bioremediation process. According to government figures given in the "Landfill Reclamation" advisory, urban areas account for a third of the country's population and generate 54.75 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually. Scientific processing of solid waste which was a mere 18 percent in 2014 has more than tripled to 65 percent. With over 10,000 hectares of urban landlocked in as dumpsites in the country, huge amounts of
methane (a greenhouse gas) and other landfill gases are generated which contribute to global warming. The advisory recommends that the reclamation project adopt an integrated approach to propose all the activities required for dumpsite remediation and a total station survey or drone-mapping of any landfill/dumping site must be done prior to start of the project.
Helo partners with Waste Warriors to launch #NamasteNature campaign
30/06/2020
Social networking platform Helo along with solid waste management NGO Waste Warriors has launched a digital environmental awareness campaign #NamasteNature. The campaign is in line with the UN theme for World Environment Day 2020 -‘Time for Nature’. As part of the campaign, the two platforms have come together to share insights around solid waste management, and invite users participation through posts, updates, photographs, videos and other content which will further help in spreading awareness amongst friends and communities, while staying safe at home. Additionally, Waste Warriors will live stream the launch of Swachhta Kendra (SK), its material recovery facility in Dehradun built specifically for plastic waste management, and expand its efforts to uplift waste pickers in Dehradun through better livelihoods, formal employment, training and empowerment.
Plastics For Change raises $2 million from Mirova Natural Capital
09/06/2020
Bangalore-based Plastics For Change (PFC), a recycled plastic supply chain organization, has raised $2 million from Mirova Natural Capital, an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers. With the rise in plastic consumption, ocean pollution is increasing at an alarming rate. However, the infrastructure needed to collect and recycle this waste has not risen in comparison. PFC wants to help lift waste-pickers out of dire poverty by offering fair predictable prices for the ocean-bound plastic they collect. The funding will support PFC's business model to help coastal communities across India and South Asia to prevent discarded plastics from entering the ocean-bound waterways by transforming waste-pickers into “waste-preneurs".
UNDP launches red waste management campaign with Patna corporation
09/06/2020
On the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day, UNDP along with the Patna Municipal Corporation launched the Red Waste Management Campaign. Under this program, the corporation and UNDP will work together to sensitize the community on sanitation waste management. The program will help provide proper arrangements for the disposal of sanitary napkins and create awareness about the disposal of other sanitary products such as diapers, condoms, tampons, and blood-soaked clothes are considered as household waste.
ONGC and NTPC to set up a Joint Venture for Developing Renewable Projects
09/06/2020
The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and NTPC Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up a renewable joint venture (JV) company. According to the MoU, ONGC and NTPC Limited intend to explore and set up offshore wind projects, among other renewable power assets in India and abroad. The project will also foray into the other resource-efficient ventures of sustainability, storage, e-mobility, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliant projects. The MoU would help both companies achieve their targets in the renewable energy business.
Huhtamaki, WasteAid to boost community-level circular economy
09/06/2020
Sustainable food packaging producer Huhtamaki has pledged to fund a project led by UK-based waste management specialist, WasteAid, to deliver education and training on waste management and circular systems in order to drive community-level circular economy innovations in Vietnam, India and South Africa. WasteAid will work with stakeholders in Johannesburg (South Africa), Ho Chi Minh city (Vietnam) and Guwahati (Assam, India) to fast-track local solutions that create value and reduce waste and pollution. Through the two year program WasteAid will leverage its sustainable waste management expertise to develop business ideas and create end-markets for recyclable materials and focus on educating diverse local communities via a cloud-based learning platform, networking events, training programmes and local innovation competitions.
Top garbage-free cities in India declared
09/06/2020
Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Puri announced the results of the Star Rating of Garbage Free Cities which includes six cities that have been certified as Five-Star - Ambikapur, Rajkot, Surat, Mysuru, Indore and Navi Mumbai, 65 cities as Three-Star and 70 cities as One-Star. Karnal, New Delhi, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Chandigarh, Bhilai Nagar, Ahmedabad are among the 'three-star garbage-free rating'. Delhi Cantonment, Vadodara, Rohtak are among 'one-star garbage-free cities'. The entire process involved collecting data from 1.19 crore citizens alongside about 10 lakh geo-tagged pictures and also visits 5175 solid waste processing plants in order to access the situation on the ground.
Important to implement environmental rules to sustain gains of lockdown: Env Minister
09/06/2020
In a letter addressed to all states and UTs, Indian Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar has said that there have been many reports of improved air and water quality due to the lockdown arising from the Covid19 pandemic and the resultant reduction in industrial pollution, reduced vehicular movement and plan activities. These “gains” have been significant for the revival of the environment and the states and UTs must strive to act and achieve the same benchmark in normal times as well. He emphasized that the states and the union territories should strictly implement relevant rules governing pollution and sustain current environmental gains.
Pune Municipal Corporation lays down guidelines for staff at Covid, quarantine centers
25/05/2020
Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued on effective practises to manage patients at various quarantine centres, isolation centres and Covid19 care centres being set up across the city. The guidelines cover important aspects such as mandatory PPE kits for all personnel entering the facilities, proper disposal of waste as per guidelines of MPCB. Guidelines also cover maintenance such as every room at the centre should be cleaned once a day while the passage should be cleaned thrice in a day. The toilets should be cleaned at least five times a day and the building should be disinfected thrice a day. The guidelines are meant to ensure proper sanitisation, waste management and disposal at the high-risk quarantine centres.
Central pollution board bans use of plaster of paris in making idols for all festivals
25/05/2020
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) banned the use of plaster of paris (PoP) in making idols in order to avoid polluting water bodies by their immersion. The order will have a great effect on the Ganeshotsav celebrated in Maharashtra including other idol worship festivals celebrated across the country. The CPCB has also outlawed use of thermocol and plastic. While environmentalists are pleased at the positive impact this will have on India's waterbodies, artisans say the order will aggravate unemployment amid an beleaguered phase of coronavirus lockdown. The CPCB's ban on PoP will alter the landscape for competitive ganesh mandals in the state that create 12-25 ft idols which are difficult to craft with clay.
Wastewater surveillance could be used to alert communities to COVID-19 infections
25/05/2020
Prof Manish Kumar, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar said Routine wastewater surveillance could be used as a non-invasive early-warning tool to alert communities to COVID-19 infections. He was peaking at the National Technology Day lecture organised by CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI). Prof Kumar made the statement based on the fact that those infected with Covid19 would excrete it through his body in the form of faeces and urine, which, in turn, could be detected in wastewater. Prof Ashok Pandey of CSIR-NEERI endorsed the wastewater-based surveillance approach to combat COVID-19 and said that this method could be useful looking at the current testing limitations.
Architects say zero waste homes and social distancing is future of home design
25/05/2020
World over architects are pointing towards the fact that the Corona crisis will influence the future design of homes. Gorakhpur architects who are continuously participating in the design webinars of India and abroad say that social distancing and zero waste will be a prime focus in the homes of the future. Their design predictions are that the entrance flats will not be face to face, there will be at least two entry gates with wash basins outside to ensure sanitisation. The webinars are also indicating the importance of open areas with wind and sunlight. If you want to win the battle of life, then you will also have to leave the balcony area with open area and give up the attachment of Central Air Conditioning making residential areas greener.
The unpopular saviour — plastics play undisputed role in Covid-19 fight
25/05/2020
The Covid-19 outbreak has brought back the controversial material that was at the receiving end of a massive campaign into our daily lives and become an almost necessity. The Covid-19 pandemic has overnight mainstreamed a highly specialized paraphernalia made out of single use plastic - the personal protective equipment (PPE). Based on World Health Organization (WHO) modelling, an estimated 89 million medical masks, 76 million examination gloves and 1.6 million goggles are said to be required for the Covid-19 response each month. Close to 25 lakh PPEs are required in India’s fight against Covid-19 every day. Thus, it has become important to explore new mechanisms for management of the increased volume of plastic.
Indore to groom Ethiopian city in waste management
25/05/2020
Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) confirmed that they would be providing assistance to city of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia in handling solid waste management efficiently after it has been selected as supporter city to assist in implementing solid waste management system. Indore has been selected for this task as part of ‘Waste Wise Cities Campaign’ proposed under UN-Habitat programme of United Nations. The programme is meant to clean up and establish sustainable waste management practices in 20 cities around the world by 2022. This programme would not only help Indore share their best practices with other cities but also bring opportunities to learn and improvise for future needs.
Lucknow saving 200 MLD water and producing 300 Mt less waste per day in lockdown
25/05/2020
With shops, restaurants, markets closed due to the lockdown, the amount of waste generated in the city has reduced from 1300 MT per day to 1000 MT per day. Since there is no tourism and entry of outsiders in the city, there has also been a decrease in water consumption. About 200 MLD of water extracted daily through submersible pumps is being saved due to the closure of commercial establishments. The garbage being generated at this time is that from houses and from the sweeping of roads, colonies and mohallas. Apart from that, the garbage that would be generated at market, restaurants, offices, bus stations, railway stations and carts and cart vendors and shopkeepers is almost none.
Circulate Capital fund invests in plastic recycling firm Lucro
15/05/2020
Singapore-based investment management company Circulate Capital has made its debut deal in India with an undisclosed investment in plastic recycling firm, Lucro Plastecycle Pvt Ltd. Lucro is a Mumbai-based company founded in 2012, manufacturing flexible packaging products, such as shrink wrap and films, by recycling locally-sourced flexible plastic waste. The investment is made through Circulate Capital Ocean Fund, which is dedicated to investing in start-ups involved in solving ocean plastic crisis in South and Southeast Asia. The firm disclosed that it has combinedly invested $6 million in India and Indonesia through the Circulate Capital Ocean Fund.
IIT Madras-incubated start-up develops ‘Smart Bin System’ to prevent Covid-19 spread
15/05/2020
Indian Institute of Technology Madras incubated start-up Antariksh Waste Ventures has developed a Smart Bin System that can remotely monitor waste levels and generate alerts for expeditious disposal through Smartphone Apps. This IoT enabled ‘AirBin’ will help to prevent the spread of Covid-19 virus through waste generated at CVPs (Contagion Vulnerable points - primarily Hospitals, Clinics, Public Bins, Quarantine Zones). The device can be retrofitted into existing bins as well and Antariksh aims to supply first 200 AirBin devices across India in next few months. The product is set to hit the market in another 5 months and plans to deliver 100,000 units for 100 Smart cities in India.
Goa lockdown has many shifting to home composting
15/05/2020
While everything came to a standstill in Goa during the first few days of the lockdown, some turned this into an opportunity to make sustainable changes to their lifestyles. For the first few days, many areas in Goa were not even getting garbage collected left some citizens determined to compost the wet waste generated in their household, reducing the burden on the state’s waste management systems. Local groups like ‘ComePost’ and others are providing support through online workshops for those interested in starting home composting. The free time at hand and the limited options to manage their waste has made many turn to home composting and move towards a sustainable lifestyle.
India will need smart strategies to manage waste in post Covid-19 world
15/05/2020
As India’s Covid-19 statistics rise upwards and the situation continues to be alarming, the challenges pertaining to waste generation and management will also rise exponentially during this period. Only 92.7 percent of the Biomedical Waste (BMW) in the country is treated and as per 2017 statistics, 7 states lack BMW treatment facilities altogether. In such a situation, a strategy needs to be put in place to handle and monitor the increasing BMW quantities under the Covid-19 situation in India. There is an urgent need to establish impetus and showcase better mechanisms and systems that can help reduce the burdens on cities’ sanitation systems, make recycling and treatment processes more robust and reliable, and document the learnings from the Covid-19 crisis and formulate strategies to help make waste management safer in case of such pandemic situations.
To control Covid-19, address water, sanitation, hygiene and waste issues
15/05/2020
The Covid-19 outbreak has highlighted our shortcomings in addressing urban densification, growth, and adverse public health outcomes, which are further intensified by inadequate drinking water, sanitation and hygiene practices. The World Health Organisation has issued ‘interim’ guidelines that outline the risks the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practitioners and providers, as well as policymakers and health care workers, face during the coronavirus crisis. The guidelines lay down preventive WASH and waste management practices to ensure the safety of sanitation and health care workers but how far such measures are implemented in practice remains debatable. The situation faced by the country at this time, should serve as a wake-up call for authorities and policymakers to scale up the WASH and waste management infrastructure and services across the country.
Ganga water fit to drink at many stretches: CPCB
15/05/2020
For the first time in many years, the ongoing lockdown has several stretches of the Ganga river water conforming to Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) standards for the quality of river waters. In some stretches such as Kannauj bathing ghat and barrage in Kanpur, Fatehpur bridge, Narora, Varanasi bathing Ghat 1, Sukartal Ghat, Bhitpur, and Ganga nullah, Murshidabad and Howrah Bridge in West Bengal recorded CPCB’s “fit for drinking water” norm with basic conventional treatment. Experts have said that the improvement in Ganga water pollution is a function of both quality and quantity. Water is not being lifted by industries so there is more flow in the river and the pollution is getting diluted. At the same time effluents are also not being discharged. But the situation is set to change when several sectors start reopening gradually after the lockdown.
Surat evolves Rapid Crisis Management Plan under SBM-Urban
25/04/2020
As one of the few major cities of India with a status of ODF, Surat is also implementing a rapid crisis management plan for controlling COVID 19. SMC is keenly following the special waste management advisory released by MoHUA and collecting solid waste separately from all home quarantine households by deploying separate vehicles and processing as per the guidelines of Biomedical Waste Management. Special attention is paid to the routine solid waste management activities along with regular cleaning. For the purpose of disinfection, SMC is ensuring that all areas of the city are sanitized and disinfected daily. Keeping the health and welfare of sanitation workers in mind, SMC has made available free-of-cost Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to all the personnel involved.
Sanitation workers at risk from Coronavirus medical waste that are not discarded properly
25/04/2020
Medical experts and waste management specialists have warned that sanitation workers in areas of quarantined patients are at high risk of being infected from handling unmarked medical waste. Recent reports from Delhi, Pune, Mumbai have illustrated the dangers of dumping medical waste related to the treatment and containment of the virus. Experts have suggested that waste points are hotspots for the viruses to which is why it is important to decontaminate the waste with sanitizers before throwing them or put them in paper bags. The ideal solution is to use reusable cloth masks that can be washed and reused.
Solid waste generation goes down by 42% in major Gujarat cities
25/04/2020
As the country goes through another week of lockdown, waste generation in major cities of Gujarat- Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot, has gone down by 42% per day. The plunge is a result of the closure of commercial establishments like food joints, malls and several office spaces for 21 days. Additionally, The biomedical waste that used to be 550-600 kilograms per day has now doubled to 1,000 kilograms and is further expected to go up to 3,000 kilograms, given the rampant use of masks and waste coming in from quarantined areas.
SCTIMST scientists design super absorbent material for safe disposal of infected respiratory secretions
25/04/2020
Scientists at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt of India has designed and developed a highly efficient superabsorbent material named Chitra Acrylosorb Secretion Solidification System. The material will assist in liquid respiratory and other body fluid solidification and disinfection for the safe management of infected respiratory secretions. It can absorb liquids at least 20 times more than its dry weight and also contains a decontaminant for in situ disinfection. Containers filled with this material will immobilize the contaminated fluid (sputum and saliva) by solidifying it (gel-like), thus avoiding spillage and will also disinfect it.
Hyderabad generates less waste, consumes more water
25/04/2020
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) officials said that the city has been generating 4500 MT of solid waste per day during lockdown- 25% less than the normal day solid waste generation. The water consumption in the city has also gone up during the period owing to additional handwashing and sanitization activities. City officials are terming this as a successful lockdown. The low garbage generation and rare movement of people on the streets is also conducive to the disinfection and sanitization activities in the city
Special protocol in place in Kerala for handling biomedical waste
25/04/2020
Of the total COVID waste generated, almost 75% comprise personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) which is why Kerala has a special protocol in place to handle its Biomedical waste generation. Till April 5, Kerala has already treated 21,401kg of biomedical waste (BMW) generated from hospitals treating COVID 19 patients. The collected waste is sent to the Image. Indian medical association goes Eco-friendly for treatment and disposal. Image officials said waste treatment is now based on the new protocol of the central pollution control board (CPCB) specifically for Covid waste treatment. It includes using separate vehicles for transporting the waste, autoclaving the waste and then incinerating it and collection in double-layered bags and sealed barrels.
Management of waste from COVID-19 isolation wards now part of 'essential services'
25/04/2020
In view of the coronavirus pandemic, the CPCB has included the services of common biomedical waste treatment and disposal facilities (CBWTF) associated with the management of waste from COVID-19 isolation wards and quarantine camps under "essential services". CPCB had received some references regarding difficulties in the operation of handling bio-medical wastes. To ensure biomedical waste treatment is smooth and unhindered, CPCB issued a notification stating that services of Common Biomedical Waste Treatment and Disposal Facilities (CBWTF) and staff associated with CBWTFs for collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of biomedical waste generated from hospitals including COVID-19 isolation wards, quarantine camps, etc. may be considered an essential service as part of health infrastructure.
Blue Planet invests in Zigma, India’s largest landfill mining company
25/04/2020
Blue Planet Environmental Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (Blue Planet), Asia’s leading sustainable waste management company, has made a significant investment in Zigma Global Environ Solutions Pvt Ltd (Zigma), India’s largest landfill mining company. With the addition of Zigma, Blue Planet’s portfolio of services now includes integrated solutions to manage waste and tackle problematic landfills. Founded in 2015, Zigma provides a sustainable solution involving multi-step segregation, treatment and recycling to clear landfills of deposited refuse. Apart from significantly improving resource recovery, Zigma’s technologies drastically reduce or eliminate the negative impact of existing landfill sites.
Chitkara University launches MBA program in Waste Management and Social Entrepreneurship
07/04/2020
Chitkara University, Chandigarh has launched a new MBA program in Waste Management and Social Entrepreneurship. The need for sustainable Waste Management has been growing and it is also becoming a lucrative business opportunity for many. The course will provide a specialized understanding of the subject and opportunities in turning it into a profitable business. It will expose students to business in areas like Management of Collectives, Medical Bio-Waste Management, Scrap Management Systems, Waste Market Promotion, Recycling and Upcycling Management, Water Recycling Management, e-Waste Management, Research Opportunities & Innovations.
Tamil Nadu Govt to get Three New Bio-medical Waste Processing Units
07/04/2020
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has cleared application for setting up of three new biomedical waste processing units. The units will be located on the outskirts of Chennai, Krishnagiri and Cuddalore. According to official data, on an average, around 60 tonnes of waste is processed at the eight existing facilities. Of this, only two are near Chennai. These serve around 3,500 HCFs, which generate about one-fourth of the total biomedical waste in Tamil Nadu. The need for new facilities was felt after Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) closed three centres in Nilgiris, Virudhunagar and Coimbatore after they were found violating Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016.
CPCB issues norms for collecting waste from quarantined homes
07/04/2020
In the wake of the COvid-19 outbreak, an increasing number of Indians are going into home quarantine as a precautionary measure. To ensure the spread of the virus in controlled and managed, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued guidelines on handling waste from quarantined households. These guidelines are in addition to those issued on March 18 for the management of coronavirus-related hospital waste. The guidelines direct that all biomedical and domestic waste from quarantined homes is to be collected in 'yellow bags'. Trained and authorised staff with full protective gear will collect the waste from quarantined homes for proper disposal which will be included among “essential services”. Considering that there may be generation of large volume of yellow colour-coded Covid-19 waste, the CPCB has also permitted use of hazardous waste incinerators for disposal in places that do not have the common biomedical waste treatment facility.
Proper disposal of masks and gloves used at home is needed to curb spread of Covid-19
07/04/2020
With India having expanded its testing criteria and capabilities for Covid-19 virus, there is going to be a surge in the number of positive Covid-19 cases in the coming weeks and along with it the quantity of biomedical waste generated from the diagnosis and treatment of such patients. Experts have cautioned that safe disposal of possibly infectious waste, such as face masks and gloves, needs to be done at the hospital as well as at home to curb potential health and environmental risks associated with the deadly virus. Since the virus may live of surfaces for upto 3 hours, it is suggested that gloves must be disposed after turning them inside out and pour boiling water on masks before disposing of them separately.
FC Goa turned Fatorda into India’s first zero-waste football stadium
07/04/2020
This season, FC Goa enjoyed tremendous success on-field by becoming the first club to qualify for the AFC Champions League and off-field as well by making the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, India’s first zero-waste stadium. As part of the club’s ‘Goa vs Garbage’ initiative, FC Goa and it’s fans made sure that all waste generated at the stadium through the season was segregated into 13 streams and recycled, decomposed or used as biogas and no waste was sent to the landfill. FC Goa’s initiative ensured that there was minimum use one-time plastic, plastic water bottles, etc. and spectators at the stadium were served water through dispensers. Waste drop-off points were placed across the stadium, manned by volunteers to encourage segregation at source by the Gaurs, alongside Saahas Zero Waste.
Aurangabad Sanitation workers get training
07/04/2020
Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has roped in private agencies for the door to door waste collection at households and commercial establishments, transport to the waste sites at Padegaon and Chikalthana and processing of waste. It was observed that the workers coming in direct contact with waste were working without any personal protective gear. The AMC has thus issued directives to the agencies responsible to ensure that sanitation staff coming in direct contact of waste are provided protective equipment including masks, gloves, gumboots, safety cap, etc. The workers are also required to undergo training in personal protection for safety. A fine of Rs 100 per worker will be levied if the directive is violated.
MakeMyTrip Launches Project to Make an Andaman Island Single-use Plastic Free
07/04/2020
India’s leading online travel company MakeMyTrip has launched a responsible tourism project to eliminate single-use plastic from Neil Island, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Andaman Islands. In line with its vision to promote sustainable tourism, MakeMyTrip Foundation will be providing necessary infrastructure and resources f towards maintaining the ecological balance on the Island and also help tourists visiting these pristine islands make responsible choices. Along with plastic scavenging drives for cleaning up the island, the project also includes setting up of convenience facilities at the beach, including showers, toilets, and locker rooms, water ATMs, distribution of reusable bottles to tourists, waste management with manpower allocation, and capacity building initiative with the local tourism community to ensure promotion of green activities.
Bihar's Bhojpur launches project on waste management
23/03/2020
The Bhojpur district administration in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology-Patna (IIT-P) and Unicef as its knowledge partner, has launched a pilot project on domestic waste management in three panchayats- Dawan, Bampali and Nargada with a population of around 20,000 households. The project will help in keeping the villages clean and also generate re-chargeable resources of ground water. Under the project liquid wastes will be cleaned by use of aquatic plants to be developed on constructed wetlands, and solid waste will be shredded, bundled and sold to the agencies working under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Patna. Money generated through the sale of wastes will be used for development work in the panchayats concerned.
Jharkhand MLA pushes for Biomedical waste management amidst Corona virus threat
23/03/2020
During the Question Hour in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, BJP MLA Biranchi Narayan raised the question of Bio Medical Waste Management. MLA Narayan was concerned about the Biomedical waste disposal especially in the view of the spread of the corona virus and the added pressure on medical health services. He advised that in such a situation, stringent laws need to be made for bio-medical waste management.
Greener holika dahan with cow dung logs
23/03/2020
To help curb the pollution caused by burning of wooden logs during 'holika dahan' and to save trees from being cut for this, a group of students from IIT (Indian Institute of Technology)-Delhi have designed logs made from cow dung and have distributed these logs in several housing societies across Delhi-NCR. This year, the group distributed 2500 kg of cow dung logs for holika dahan. The cow dung logs are produced under their project Arth which also supplies the logs to crematoriums.
Sanitary pad manufacturers to provide disposal bags from Jan 2021
23/03/2020
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar announced that sanitary pad manufacturers will compulsorily have to provide packets for disposal of each pad along with the pad from Jan 2021. The use of sanitary pads has greatly increased in the last decade but at the same time, the disposal of the same need to be looked into. The rule of providing disposal packets with sanitary pads exists in the law but is not being followed by the manufacturers.
Karnal to segregate 300tons of waste per day to generate fuel from plastics
23/03/2020
Shekhpura Solid Waste Management (SWM) plant’s successful run has encouraged Karnal Municipal Corporation to apply the same model to the Kail SWM plant. The plant will have a capacity to process 300tons of waste per day which after sorting will be used for generation of RDF. The RDF will be sold along with eth waste plastic as fuel to companies and brick kilns, while compost prepared from the remaining wet waste is given to fertilizer firms and farmers. According to the corporation officials, it is not a big challenge to implement the system of the Sheikhpura plant in Karnal at the Kail plant.
