By Bindu Bubber
BORDA Partner - IIYW
IIYW (Indian Institute of Youth Welfare) and ExNoRa International both partners of CDD-BORDA network in India in collaboration with the Water Supply and Sanitation Department, Government of Maharashtra (WSSD-GoM), Collectorate of Jalgaon and Jalgaon Municipal Corporation (JMC), organised a one-day Regional Decentralised Solid Waste Management (DESWAM) Workshop. The Workshop was held on 26th November 2009, at Hotel Royal Palace, Jalgaon. The purpose of the Workshop was to facilitate consultation among major stakeholders to deliberate on challenges and solutions towards effective and environmentally-sound solid waste management.
The Workshop was attended by 82 ULB officers including 22 Chief Officers and also SWM In-charge and Engineers from Jalgaon, Dhule and Nandurbar Districts of Khandesh Region, who actively contributed to the proceedings. The format included 2 Technical Sessions, with presentations and an accompanying exhibition at the venue.
INAUGURATION
The main Guests, who were given a traditional welcome, included Chief Guest Mr. Kunal Kumar, I.A.S., Collector, Jalgaon, Dr. Sharad Kale, Professor, Homi Bhabha National Institute and Head, Pesticide Residues and Soil Science Centre of the Nuclear Agriculture and Bio Technology Division, BARC, Mumbai, Mr. Ajit Saraf, In-charge, Water Abatement Engineering Division, MPCB, Mumbai, Mrs. Dhanalakshmi, Commissioner, Kulithalai Municipality, Tamil Nadu, Mr. A. Amuthaval, Chairman, Kulithalai Municipality and Mr. G. B. Karweer, Consultant, Government of Karnataka and Secretary, RWA-WMC, Kalyan Nagar, Bangalore. The Workshop was formally inaugurated by the traditional lighting of the lamp.
Ms Shilpa Mirashi, Program Co-ordinator, IIYW, welcomed the Chief Guest and other participants to the Workshop. She stated the purpose of organising this event so as to enable the participants to be aware about DESWAM interventions, benefits of various decentralised solid waste management systems and to understand framework, opportunities and financial obligations for “decentralised solid waste management” implementation, as well as devise joint strategy for action for improvements in city-wide sanitation. Also, to share the strategic issues and emerging trends in SWM and observed that not a single municipality is in full compliance with Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) Rules as per deadline of December 21st, 2003, is indeed a matter for concern. She emphasised on activities of Basic Needs Services (BNS) network and how 19 network Partners all over India are closely involved in training and capacity-building of ULBs and strategy development which is crucial in sustaining 100% sanitation and also decentralisation as the attribute that connects all areas of our work. She welcomed the collaboration and co-operation extended by Collectorate and Commisionerate of Jalgaon for organising this Workshop which has seen good representation from the Khandesh region. She recalled best practice models on SWM in Maharashtra especially ALM in Greater Mumbai, the Surat Model, ”Swachata Doots” of NMC, SWM Comprehensive Contracts Project in Ulhasnagar, SWM projects by Stree Mukti Sanghatana in Kalyan-Dombivali and integrated waste management models of Vishakapatnam and Bangalore Municipal Corporation.
Following this, in his address, Dr. Sharad Kale, BARC Mumbai stated the various changes that have occurred in the past few years in policies related to SWM. In addition to Supreme Court orders directing all cities to develop SWM proposals, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has legislated rules for the same. He cited initiatives of gobar gas plants by Mahatama Gandhi and Manubhai Desai as inspirational; which in the later days saw remarkable research in this field. The WTE (Waste-to-energy projects) in Katol, Kalmeshwar and Matheran are model examples using Bio-methanation technology. He then shared briefly about his own evolved technology namely "Nisargruna” Technology. That each individual utilises 3 kg oxygen daily and consciously does nothing much to repay it back is thought-provoking. “Nisargruna” or “repaying back nature’s loan” is a technology for decentralised processing of biodegradable waste which helps reduce transportation costs and associated health menace. According to Prof Kale, units with a capacity of 1, 2, 5 and 10 tonnes per day would be ideal for the urban local bodies in the Country. These units could also be made operational in the rural areas for handling agro-waste. The project is expected to generate employment among the backward sections of the population, besides offering a fuel option for domestic cooking. The waste generated in kitchens (vegetable refuse, stale, cooked and non-cooked food, extracted tea powder, waste milk and milk products) can be processed in the plant. The main advantages are preventing biogas (greenhouse gases, especially methane) escaping into the atmosphere from waste otherwise left in the dumping yard, use of biogas as an alternative fuel leading to reduction in consumption of carbon-emitting fuel and use of manure leading to reduction in the use of artificial fertilisers.
In his keynote address, Mr. Kunal Kumar I.A.S., Collector, Jalgaon, first remembered the martyrs of 26/11 and how this occurrence last year only reminds us to be even more united to make a strong and prosperous nation. The need of the hour is concrete steps towards development, progress and practicing what we preach. He cited responsibilities of Chief Officers and how they, with a firm will and vision, have the power to initiate change in the neglected SWM scenario in their Councils. Dialogue with people, elected representatives, thus convincing them, is a major hurdle for Municipal Councils especially for issues of solid waste collection at-source and segregation at-source. To reach out, developing good communication skills and support of multiple agencies including NGOs and CBOs for implementing viable SWM options is imperative for municipal authorities to understand. Some of our health indicators due to bad sanitation are worse than Sub-Saharan Africa. Municipal Solid Waste Management is not just about sweeping of streets and transfer of waste from one place to another but is a process which includes at-source segregation, primary collection from these sources, street sweeping, secondary storage depot/transfer station, transportation of waste to disposal site, treatment of waste and final disposal at environmentally-friendly landfill sites. He exhorted the participants to accord sanitation the top-most priority and work towards ensuring TQM (Total Quality Management) in all aspects of SWM service-delivery as he just mentioned. Councils should aim to realize the vision of 100% Municipal Solid Waste Management in Khandesh Region.
This was followed by release of a DVD Marathi film “Ek Ashadayi Arambh” by IIYW-BORDA at the hands of the Chief Guest, Mr. Kunal Kumar, I.A.S., Collector, Jalgaon. The film showcases best practice models in Kolhapur having both Community Based Sanitation (CBS) DESWAM and CBS-DEWATS approaches implemented by a GO-NGO-CBO initiative.
Technical Session -1
This session was facilitated by Dr. Sharad Kale. The first presentation was by Mr. Ajit Saraf, MPCB, Mumbai, titled “SWM Challenges for ULBs in Maharashtra”. The presentation comprised the current scenario of MSW management, applicability of MSW Rules and its compliance status. He stressed on the responsibilities of Municipal authorities and exhorted that besides being responsible for implementation of provisions of MSWM Rules 2000, the particular Municipal authority also has to furnish its Annual Report in Form II of the MSWM Rules to the Secretary in-charge of the Department of Urban Development of Maharashtra. The grant of authorisation for setting up waste processing and disposal facility and also monitoring the compliance of the standards regarding ground water, ambient air, leachate quality and the compost quality including incineration standards are main responsibilities of MPCB.
MPCB is also engaged in arranging awareness workshops for elected representatives of local bodies for implementation of these Rules. The participants were explained that as per the Notification published on 14th September 2006 by Ministry of Environment and Forest. The common municipal solid waste facilities mentioned in schedule 7(1) requires environment clearance for new sites i.e. after publication of this notification. There are 204 “B” and “C” Class Councils out of a total of 252 urban local bodies in Maharashtra. The MSW generation (MT/day) for “B’ class is 771 and 1033 MT/day for “C” class. MPCB has taken initiatives like the one in consultation with All India Institute for Local Self Governance has prepared a checklist for identification of processing sites to facilitate implementation of MSWM Rules. Besides, the Board has extended financial assistance to 5 local bodies for setting up model and demo MSW projects namely Murud-Jajira Municipal Council, Baramati Municipal Council, Navapur, Ambad and Sonpeth Municipal Council.
The next presentation “Have We Forgotten Science in the 21st Century?” by Dr. Sharad Kale, exhorted participants to be open-minded and view problems scientifically with an inquisitive mind to find solutions. He creatively explained this by citing everyday examples and admitted that solid waste in India is still in need of a much bigger attention and more efficient management. That we aspire for a Green Revolution and a White Revolution and not for a SWM revolution, is indeed distressing. He exhorted the Collector, Jalgaon, and the organisers to help change the labelling of “Wastebins” to “Wealthbins” or “Resource Bins”. He stated that aerobic composting, vermicomposting and green waste composting are options for treatment on a small scale but at the city level controlled composting is advisable.
Per capita waste generation ranges between 0.2 kg and 0.6 kg per day in Indian cities and cumulates to about 1.15 lakh MT of waste per day and 42 million MT annually (NEERI 1995). There are more than 30 functional plants in Maharashtra with a processing capacity exceeding 100 MT per day using the “Nisargruna” technology. He briefly described the process of how waste is first segregated to remove the non-biodegradable material. It is then pulverised in a mechanical mixer by adding water in 1:1 proportion. The slurry is passed on to the pre-digester tank where hot water (from a solar heater) is added. This process kills all hazardous and undesirable bacteria and allows growth of high-temperature tolerant bacteria. These bacteria hasten the degradation of the waste. The savings made in transporting waste materials over large distances to dumping yards and moderate earnings potential by way of vending gas, manure and eligibility for possible carbon credits could be a viable technological option for Municipal Councils. Companies or organizations that are unable to reduce their carbon emissions are willing to buy these credits at a certain price. Dr. Kale also mentioned projects implemented in collaboration with Stree Mukti Sanghatana, a NGO in Mumbai and emphasized on recognition of the role of rag pickers in MSW management. BARC and Stree Mukti Sanghatana have also developed training modules for the SWM sector.
The subsequent presentation was on “Best Practice Model of Waste Segregation” by Mr. G. B. Karweer, Consultant, Government of Karnataka and Secretary, KRWA-WMC, Kalyan Nagar , Bangalore. He stated that there is enormous potential to involve RWAs (Resident Welfare Associations) in SWM services in a cost-effective manner without entering into contracts with private operators. He then explained the Kalyan Nagar Waste Management Committee, an initiative taken by the Residents Welfare Association of Kalyan Nagar. The KRWA was started in August 1998, with a 16 member workforce and initially registered 1576 houses in the area. The KWMC (Kalyan Nagar Waste Management Committee) was formed by KRWA. This ALM initiative was in association with the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Co-operation (NORAD). The BDA and the NORAD supported the KWMC for the initial couple of years. Now the KWMC led by its office-bearers, does not depend on any external agency and is managing by collecting Rs.15 from each house as fees.
Mass door-to-door awareness was undertaken on need and the process for at-source segregation and doorstep collection by employed personnel to facilitate better solid waste processing and disposal. Education on the importance of waste recycling was undertaken by residents. A total of 30 persons for garbage collection and 13 vehicles exist today and waste is segregated into degradable and non-degradable by residents. The garbage is collected using 15 tricycles. After bringing the waste to the old BDA ward office, where the Committee has set up a natural compost unit, the personnel further do the secondary segregation. The degradable waste is dumped into the vermicompost pit and the non-degradable waste is handed over to the civic authorities for scientific disposal. The manure thus produced is sold to residents at Rs.10 a kg. The Kalyan Nagar Waste Management Committee (KWMC) today covers over 3000 houses of HRBR Layout 1st Block and parts of 2nd and 3rd Blocks. This “clean” initiative has attracted organisations from abroad like National Environment Management Authority from Uganda, delegations from The World Bank and the United Nations.
Technical Session –2
At the onset IIYW’s film in Marathi “Ek Ashadayee Aarambh” was screened focusing attention on socio-technical aspects of CBS-DEWATS and CBS-DESWAM and showcasing successful implementation of projects in Maharashtra. This Technical session was facilitated by Mr. T. Vijay Anand, Programme Co-ordinator and General Secretary, ExNoRa International, Chennai.
The first presentation was by Mr. T. Vijay Anand on “PPP Model in Solid Waste Management at Pammal Municipality”. He first introduced ExNoRa International as a voluntary non-governmental, "Global Head Environment Service Organisation” which was formed with the aim of realising a cleaner, greener and more environment-friendly world. ExNoRa has successfully motivated and formed an appreciable number thousands of Community based organisations (CBO’s) across India called “Civic ExNoRa”.
The impact of the Pammal Green ExNoRa Project has been a highlighted effort towards sustainable human settlement and living environment. This Zero-waste management project demonstrates partnership between the government, NGO and corporate sector with people’s participation. This was under the dynamic leadership of Ms Mangalam Balasubramanian, who initiated a civic movement at Sankara Nagar, Pammal in 1994. The project now covers 21 wards with 25,000 households in the Municipality. The Zero Waste Centre for manufacturing vermicompost and a recycling plant has been established and convert 60% of waste into wealth. As part of Corporate Social Responsibility, Pepsico contributed appreciably in supporting this project with financial assistance as well as in promoting innovative ways of handling and processing waste. Garbage is segregated at-source and the inorganic waste, which cannot be recycled, is sent for sanitary refill. The project also offers options for micro-enterprises like pet bottle recycling unit, waste paper recycling unit, tetra pack bottle recycling unit and so on for which garbage is the raw material. This project, demonstrating the partnership between Pammal Municipality, ExNoRa Green Pammal, Pepsico and the public has obtained a Certification from the Pollution Control Board, Tamil Nadu.
Subsequently, Mr. A. Amuthaval , Municipal Chairman, Kulithalai Municipality, explained how in Kulithalai Municipality of Karur District, Tamil Nadu, an Integrated community based decentralized solid waste management programme was launched to make it a garbage-free town on the basis of the Urban Sanitation Policy announced by Government of India.
Following this prelude, a presentation on “DESWAM Model at Kulithalai Municipality” was made by Mrs. G. Dhanalakshmi, Municipal Commissioner, Kulithalai Municipality. The presentation focused on the purpose of implementing the afore-mentioned project as per the MSWM Rules 2000, thus ensuring scientific waste management practices for improving the collection, transport and waste processing systems. She explained how she led the formulation of an action plan with Mr. Amuthaval, based on discussions between ExNoRa International, officials and elected representatives of the Municipality. The action plan, to be implemented in a participatory manner with the public, the role of the Municipality and ExNoRa International in preparation of the plan, implementation of the programme, financial aspects, role of councillor, municipal staff and community organisers, link volunteers and synergising activities with other departments for support to the Municipality were finalised. The approach used in implementing CBS-DESWAM in Kulithalai was streamlining the existing SWM system and community participation through systematic awareness campaigns and training for sanitary workers, councillors, NSS school students, school teachers and SHGs on the importance of waste segregation at-source.
Today, in 12 wards, 3319 families and 646 shops are involved from whom door-to-door collection of segregated waste is done. Another achievement is that in a compost yard of 8.82 acres; aerobic composting of bio-degradable wastes using cow-dung slurry, Press Mud and EM solution, is done. This has enabled 50% waste diversion to compost yard instead of dumping ground.
WORKING GROUP DELIBERATIONS
GROUP 1
“GAPS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR SWM IMPLEMENTATION”
- No public awareness on SWM, hence if co-operation from citizens necessary, mass awareness campaigns are necessary and the role of elected representatives is also important
- Inadequate manpower needs to be augmented and there should be no nepotism in appointments
- Manpower mostly untrained, hence needs to be well trained
- Inadequate vehicles, hence, more vehicles to be procured and funds to be explored
- Less space for processing of waste and should do cost-effective projects and depend least on consultancy.
- Capacity-building initiatives like workshops should be done, including for elected representatives.
- In Councils where there are isolated and new settlements having fewer residents, provision of SWM services is not economically viable. In these areas residents should take initiatives to manage solid waste.
GROUP II
“ROLE OF PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION IN EFFECTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT”
- Information for MSWM Rules 2000 through mass IEC campaigns, street plays and local media channels.
- Mobilise NSS volunteers for visiting households and motivate them to segregate waste at-source into dry and wet waste.
- Instruct people that in no case should garbage be thrown into open and closed drains, which could lead to clogging and spread of diseases.
- NGOs and SHGs to be linked, undertake awareness for segregation at-source and viable processing options.
- Hotels should be made aware of segregating waste at-source and setting up biogas plants to produce fuel
- Hospitals should be sensitized to dispose bio-medical waste scientifically.
GROUP III
“PRIORITIES FOR ULBs TOWARDS SWM”
- Segregation at-source and door-to door collection
- Aim should be waste-bin free cities/councils.
- Public Awareness and political support necessary.
- Availability of landfill sites.
- Efficient transport system should be given by ULBs
- ULBs aspire for reliable technical assistance
- Mode of recovery of penalties
Following the presentations, the leading questions of the Workshop were discussed by a Panel which included the six key speakers of the day. The key issues discussed were:
- In response to a question on the unique outcome of the participatory approach of Kulithalai model it was stated that it led to spin-offs like support from Ministry of Urban Development, New Delhi, and from the Water and Sanitation Program of The World Bank, in preparing the City Sanitation Plan for holistic development of the Town.
- In response to the query on MoU formats, it was stated that the MPCB has prepared model documents for implementation of MSW projects and helps ULBs in signing the MoU between different stakeholders for setting up waste treatment and disposal facilities and could be downloaded from the website www.mpcb.gov.in
- To the query on the procedure for grant of authorization for setting up waste processing and disposal facility including landfills from the State Board, it was stated that an application should be made in Form-1 (of MSWM Rules) and the necessity to comply with the implementation programme as laid down in Schedule 1.
- On the observation that Nisargruna or BARC technology for Bio-gas recovery from organic waste has helped how many councils, it was mentioned that 25 plants at ULBs are in operation(75MT/day) and 13 plants are under construction in Maharashtra
- Chief Officers stated that it is a necessity for the ULB to have a sound revenue base. Provision of doorstep waste collection service under MSW Rules 2000 adds to the cost of SWM service and thus affects the finances of ULBs, i.e. unless they introduce recovery of user fees from the beneficiaries.
- Questions on financial assistance indicated that sources are available with the State Pollution Control Board which already has extended financial assistance to five local bodies for setting up model and demo MSW projects. Support for SWM is also provided under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), and under the National Urban Sanitation Policy (NUSP). The 12th Finance Commission has allotted Rs.5000 crores for supplementing the resources of the ULBs in the Country. Of this, 50% is earmarked for improving SWM services. This amount is to be spent by March 2010.
- To the query on DPR on SWM, it was stated that it should include proposed infrastructure details, proposed waste management activities, human resources that would be deployed and so on. A CPCB indicative format for preparation of DPR is available.
The general consensus was that the Workshop provided a platform for ULB officials to share their views in scaling up at council level. The existing administrative and financial constraints and deliberations on various suitable technological measures for effective waste management were enriching. At-source segregation efforts for recycling reuse and resource recovery for reduction in waste and an economical and scientific disposal of municipal solid waste is the need of the hour. Besides, it does not any further emphasis that people’s participation at every stage is imperative.
The Workshop formally concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms Bindu Bubber, IIYW.
