EVERY MORNING, Shashi I Thanganpara and two of her colleagues visit 200 households in the city of Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, collect the already segregated waste and mount it on their compartmentalised cycle rickshaws. They then join the 477 other waste collection didis in taking the waste to one of the city's 17 “garbage clinics” for further segregation and processing.
This efficient system is a far cry from around a decade ago, when Ambikapur suffered from poor solid waste management practices. The city had erroneously believed that community bins and periodical waste collection would be enough to manage the garbage, says Ritesh Saini, Nodal Officer, Ambikapur Municipal Corporation (AMC). But the 6.4-hectare dumping ground set up for waste disposal had neither proper liner systems, nor any mechanism for leachate or gas collection. Solid waste was either dumped in the open-choking the sewer system-or burned, releasing toxic emissions. About one-third of the city's 48 wards had employed private players to manage their waste, but any efforts were marred by a lack of public participation. There was a need to change tack.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A SPRIG TO CARE FOR
Punarnava, a perennial herb, is easy to grow and has huge health benefits
DIGGING A DISASTER
Soapstone mining near Dabti Vijaypur village has caused many residents to migrate.
REVIEW THE TREATMENT
Several faecal sludge treatment plants in Uttar Pradesh suffer from design flaws that make the treatment process both expensive and inefficient
MAKE STEEL SUSTAINABLE
As India works to double its GDP by 2030, its steel industry must balance growth with sustainability. By embracing policies like the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy 2019 and adopting green technologies, India is paving the way for a more sustainable future in steel production
Can ANRF pull off the impossible for India?
Anusandhan National Research Foundation is expected to reorient India's innovation goals but funding issues, old mindsets remain a drag
TROUBLED WOODS
Forests are a great bulwark against climate change. But this is fast changing. AKSHIT SANGOMLA travels through some of the pristine patches of the Western Ghats to explore how natural disturbances triggered by global warming now threaten the forest health
BLINDING GLOW
The science is clear: increased illumination has damaging consequences for the health of humans, animals and plants. It’s time governments introduced policies to protect the natural darkness and improved the quality of outdoor lighting.
GROUND REALITY
What happens when the soil loses the ability to grow healthy, high-yield crops on its own?
GM POLICY MUST BE FARMER CENTRIC
On July 23, the Supreme Court of India directed the Union government to develop a national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops for research, cultivation, trade and commerce through public consultation.
Vinchurni's Gandhi
A 96-year-old farmer transforms barren land into a thriving forest in drought-prone region of Satara