Question : Disposal of Municipal Waste

(a) whether the Government has taken note that several tonnes of municipal waste (garbage) that Indian cities and towns generate per day goes to landfill sites or dumping yards untreated;

(b) if so, the facts thereof indicating the quantum of non-biodegradable waste generated in the country particularly in 100 smart cities during the last three years and the current year, city-wise;

(c) Whether the Government has taken note that there is no uniform mechanism for maintenance, sweeping and lifting of garbage across urban areas in the country and if so, the facts thereof;

(d) the steps taken by the Government to manage, reduce and recycle the waste;

(e) whether these steps have resulted in reduction and recycling of non-biodegradable waste in the country and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(f) the steps proposed to be taken by the Government to properly dispose of the municipal waste along with the assistance and technical know-how to be provided to the States to address the issue?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

(SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI)

(a): The total Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generated in the urban areas of the country is 1.45 Lakhs Metric Tonnes per Day (MT/D) of which 54% is being processed in a scientific manner at present.

(b): As reported by the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), the quantum of dry waste generated in the Smart Cities during the current year is annexed.

(c): Solid Waste Management (SWM) is a State subject and function of ULBs. State Governments/ ULBs plan, design, execute and operate mechanism for collection, transportation and processing of MSW as per their requirements, capacities and capabilities, which suit their needs, geographical and climatic conditions, resources, manpower, equipments, etc.

(d): Government have launched Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) under which Central assistance in the form of Grant/ Viability Gap Fund (VGF) up to 35% of the project cost of the SWM projects is given for scientific disposal of municipal waste, as per the provisions of Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2016. Other steps taken for this purpose include;

(i). Providing Market Development Assistance (MDA) of Rs. 1,500/- per MT of compost produced by Waste to Compost (WTC) plants,

(ii). Making it mandatory for the State Electricity DISCOMs to purchase power generated by MSW based Waste to Energy (WTE) plants at the generic tariff,

(iii). Encouraging conversion of combustible but non-recyclable fraction of MSW into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) for use (up to 15 %) as fuel by cement industry, and

(iv). Mandatory use of waste plastic with bituminous mix for construction and repair of roads.

(v). Conducting Capacity Building (CB) workshops for ULBs, conducting Public Awareness (PA) programs and monitoring SWM progress.

(e): The combined effect of these steps has resulted in rise in the percentage of MSW processing from 18% of the total waste generated in 2014 to more than 54% at present.

(f): Government will continue to make policy decisions and provide assistance as stated in part (d) above.
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