According to the Central Government’s statement in Parliament recently, 665 MLD Sewage is generated and out of it, 49 MLD is treated in Jammu and Kashmir.
As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report on “National Inventory of Sewage Treatment Plants” published in March, 2021, the sewage generation from urban centers has been estimated as 72,368 MLD, of which, 20,235 MLD (28%) is being treated.
The government also informed that under SBM-U launched in 2014, door to door collection of solid waste and transportation of these segregated waste collected from source premises to the respective processing facilities has been financially and technically supported. MoHUA also provides financial assistance to State/UT Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for setting up waste processing facilities and remediation of legacy dumpsite, etc. The support for setting up waste processing plants, legacy dumpsite remediations continue under SBM-U 2.0. The support for drinking water supply and sewerage network along with STPs for more than one lakh population cities is to provided under AMRUT 2.0.
It said MoHUA promotes technology innovation for solid and liquid waste management. SBM 2.0 has launched a Swachhata Start-up Challenge to on-board Start-ups and entrepreneurs to promote technologies and innovation in the sector.
Solid waste management is a scientific concept and modern technology available globally as well within the country which would enable addressing the problem before it reaches unmanageable positions. In fact, Solid waste is being used even for fuel and energy generation apart from other uses.
Its management is one of the most essential services for maintaining the quality of life in the Urban Areas and for ensuring better standards of health and hygiene.
All the municipal authorities are responsible for providing basic civic amenities including solid waste management services. Municipalities have overall responsibility for Municipal Solid Waste Management.
Households are the major source of solid waste generation. Proper storage of waste in households is a key aspect of establishing good SWM practices. It is important to segregate the Municipal Solid Waste as bio-degradable waste and recyclable/ inorganic waste at the source of generation and the same needs to be implemented in letter and spirit. While it is easier said than done, measures need to be taken to make it a reality. In addition, it is essential to make it mandatory to prohibit waste generators to throw any solid waste in their surroundings, on the streets, open spaces and vacant plots or into drains.
