Dr Konthoujam Khelchandra
Contd from previous article
Segregation at source:Till date to my knowledge there is no report of segregating the household waste at source in Imphal. This is one of the major challenges where the concerned authority should take appropriate measures for segregation of waste at source. It is noteworthy to remember that the SWM Rules 2016 have mandated the source segregation of waste in order to channelise the waste to wealth by recovery, reuse and recycle. Waste generators should now have to now segregate waste into three streams- Biodegradables, Dry (Plastic, Paper, metal, Wood, etc.) and Domestic Hazardous waste (diapers, napkins, mosquito repellants, cleaning agents etc.) before handing it over to the collector. Institutional generators, market associations, event organisers and hotels and restaurants have been directly made responsible for segregation and sorting the waste and manage in partnership with local bodies. In case of an event, or gathering of more than 100 persons at any licensed/ unlicensed place, the organiser will have to ensure segregation of waste at source and handing over of segregated waste to waste collector or agency, as specified by the local authority. Waste processing and treatment:The bio-degradable waste should be processed, treated and disposed of through composting or bio-methanation within the premises as far as possible and the residual waste shall be given to the waste collectors or agency as directed by the local authority (SMW, 2016). The developers of Special Economic Zone, industrial estate, industrial park to earmark at least 5 per cent of the total area of the plot or minimum 5 plots/ sheds for recovery and recycling facility.
In conclusion, there is need for a drastic change in how the waste management systems will work in Manipur. Firm implementable measures should be adoptedfor a decentralised mechanism of solid waste management. However, it would be challenging task to see how segregation at source shall work on the ground. It has clearly indicated that segregation at source is of prime importance for effective solid waste management. It is extremely important to properly handle solid waste generated from the Imphal area by segregation at the source. It is also necessary to treat biodegradable waste by suitable methods like composting and vermi-composting. For the success of solid waste management in Manipur, people awareness in exceptionally obligatory. Hence, a massive awareness campaign in association with communities, NGOs, local clubs, students and other stakeholders needs toundertake actions to push for better implementation of the solid waste management in Imphal. There is also need for focusing on making solid waste management a people’s movement by taking the issues, concerns and management of solid waste to citizens and grass-roots.Finally, suitable strategy and actions plans should be targeted for addressing some of these challenges then it would definitely lead to success of an effective solid waste management in Imphal city.
The author is currently working as Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Pachhunga University College, Aizawl. He can be contacted at:
[email protected]