Critically examine the ill-effects of unsegregated waste to our environment. Suggest measures to enhance the practice of source waste segregation. (200 words)
Refer – The Indian Express
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands.
IAS Parliament 6 years
KEY POINTS
· Unsegregated waste - Mixing biodegradable waste with other waste at the point where waste is generated.
Ill effects
· This increases the volume that has to be transported as the waste is hauled all the way to the landfill sites.
· The increased fuel usage in transportation results in more emissions.
· If biodegradable waste is separated and processed locally through aerobic decomposition, it will produce compost or organic fertiliser.
· Use of compost reduces the need for chemical fertilisers which emit large quantities of nitrous oxide and thereby helps mitigate emissions.
· Recycling of waste helps to reduce GHG emissions, because the energy required to manufacture a product using virgin materials is higher than when using recycled materials.
· While India has had a tradition of recycling paper, glass, metals, etc with the engagement of the informal sector, lack of segregation comes in the way of realising the full potential of recycling.
· For example, it is difficult to recycle a paper that easily soils, when mixed with waste.
· Recycling requires up to 50 per cent less energy compared to production of paper based on wood pulp, and it also saves trees from being cut.
Measures to enhance source waste segregation
· As per SWM Rules 2016, every waste generator shall segregate and store the waste generated by them in three separate streams namely bio-degradable, non-biodegradable and domestic hazardous wastes in suitable bins.
· But, lack of behavioural change among the stakeholders is the main component hampering source waste segregation.
· To bring in a behaviour Change, ground mobilization activities should be carried out through
a) Extensive multimedia Campaign
b) Planning meeting with all Stakeholders
c) Involvement of religious leaders
d) Targeting youth, along with school and college
e) Collaboration with NGOs, SHGs, etc
· Additionally, strict enforcement of law and regular monitoring of efforts done to ensure source waste segregation is vital.
· Because, most of the schemes intended for source waste segregation works well in the initial periods, but fade away later.
