Addressing Waste Management for a Sustainable Future with Kar Parivartan
Global temperatures are on an alarming rise, driven primarily by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation and inappropriate disposal of waste. Global warming, has severe repercussions on our planet. Extreme weather events, including heatwaves, hurricanes, and droughts are becoming more frequent and intense. The urgency to mitigate these effects through sustainable practices has never been greater.
In India, the climate crisis is intensifying and the significant cause for the same is improper waste management practices
Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to a staggering increase in waste production, much of which ends up in landfills or is improperly disposed. Improper waste disposal has been contributing to global warming and climate instability for a long time now. The consequences are severe: rising temperatures, intense heatwaves, erratic monsoons and increased vulnerability to flooding.
India faces a multifaceted challenge in managing e-Waste, plastic, battery and tyre waste due to infrastructural, regulatory and societal issues. The rapid pace of technological growth and consumerism results in large volumes of e-Waste, which is often processed by informal sectors lacking proper recycling facilities, leading to environmental and health hazards. Similarly, the substantial volume of plastic production and consumption generates enormous amounts of waste. Inadequate waste segregation and collection infrastructure exacerbates the problem, leading to high levels of plastic litter in landfills, streets and water bodies.
Batteries contain hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, necessitating careful handling to prevent contamination of soil and water sources. The primary issue is the deficient infrastructure for collecting, segregating, and recycling batteries, where facilities are sparse. Moreover, a substantial portion of battery recycling is conducted by the informal sector, often under unsafe conditions, which contributes to environmental pollution and health hazards. Furthermore, tyre waste, with its complex composition and larger volume, is difficult to recycle and ends up in landfill or incinerated, leading to air pollution and environmental damage.
While India has regulations for managing waste, enforcement can be inconsistent, leading to gaps in proper disposal practices. There is a need for increased awareness among consumers, businesses, and policymakers about the importance of responsible disposal and recycling.
