Tatsat Chronicle - August 2022

In this issue

Today, India generates about 1.6 lakh tonnes of MSW every day, most of which ends up in landfills. As this toxic waste decomposes, it releases noxious fumes into the air that we breathe and harmful chemicals leach into the soil and ultimately dissolve in groundwater. The irony is that despite plenty of laws and regulations, waste management never seemed to be a priority area for our administrators and lawmakers.

In our two-part cover story, we have deeply analysed this mega problem and how to develop mitigating solutions. But one thing is certain, the government needs to pay urgent attention to this vital matter and come up with long-term strategies for recycling as much MSW as possible. Recycling also makes economic sense because it will spur the circular economy.

The decision of the government to ban single-use plastic (SUP) items from July 1 is a welcome step in the direction of curbing plastic pollution but according to our analysis, it will have a marginal impact because use of SUP is far more pervasive than the 21 items that have been banned. It is, therefore, essential to find ways to recycle all types of plastic items to prevent them ending up in landfills or our rivers and oceans.

In this issue, we have also turned our attention to one of the most inhuman and demeaning practices in our society: manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. Despite being legally outlawed, hundreds of poor people are pushed into doing this hazardous job, which invariably results in loss of life due to inhalation of poisonous gases.

Another area of concern is the slow progress in achieving the targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over the past couple of months there have been two disconcerting reports that make it clear that if countries don’t get into mission mode, the SDGs are headed for failure by 2030.

Tatsat Chronicle Magazine Description:

Tatsat Chronicle is India's first Social Sector focused magazine covering 360-degree news and views of Social Welfare, Social Development, CSR-Philanthropy and Conservation-Sustainability in India and abroad

The social sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors in India. Given the current size of the social sector—accounting for approximately 8.8 percent of India’s GDP in spending terms—and the number of people who are directly and indirectly involved with this field, it doesn’t have a robust media platform that engages with the various stakeholders involved in this sector. It’s this gap that Tatsat Chronicle intends to fill and carve out a niche.

The print magazine will have a monthly frequency, while the digital platform will be updated with news, analysis, opinion, insight, and blogs on a daily basis. Overall, Tatsat Chronicle will offer a deep dive into the rapidly evolving social sector space for a better understanding and appreciation of the work being done by various stakeholders towards creating a more equitable society. It will shine the spotlight on the most important issues that impact the social sector.

Objective

The main objective of Tatsat Chronicle is to inform, engage, and stimulate readers with ideas, case studies, and well-researched insight, covering the entire gamut of social sector activities in India. The digital platform of the magazine will be an enhanced version of the print edition. Tatsat Chronicle will act as a facilitator for debate and discussion.

Our Editorial Pillars

The edifice of Tatsat Chronicle will rest on four editorial pillars. There are:

Social Welfare: The role of the State in delivering social goods to its citizens.
Social Sector: The magazine will examine and appraise the role played by various stakeholders engaged in this sector.

CSR and Philanthropy: We will cover the entire gamut of CSR activities that are carried out by the corporate sector and PSUs, and charity and philanthropy by individuals.

Conservation and Sustainability: We will maintain a strong focus on various issues that impact the environment and sustainability in India.