Page 32 - Clean India Journal - Sept 2023 Digital Edition

Focus

Emerging leaders in Varanasi Nagar Nigam (VNN), instance, while waste-to-energy
urban sustainability the urban local body of one of solutions are seen as a beacon of
the world’s oldest inhabited
promise, it’s crucial to undertake
Beyond the major cities, cities, is embracing modern waste a comprehensive evaluation of
emerging leaders like Kalyan- management solutions. The city’s the economic and environmental
Dombivali, Vasai-Virar, and initiative to produce green coal implications of the by-products.
Mira-Bhayandar in the Mumbai from municipal waste is set to
Metropolitan Region (MMR) revolutionise waste-to-energy Potential way forward
are making their mark. Their solutions. Backed by a ₹500 crore
innovative approaches, from investment, this project aims to Adopting a comprehensive
introducing robots for sewer process over 400 tonnes of waste strategy: Aligning with the United
cleaning to launching cleanliness daily, transforming the ancient Nations’ Sustainable Development
drives in slums, highlight a city’s waste management landscape. Goals (SDGs) can offer a globally
commitment to urban cleanliness recognised and structured
and sustainability. Existing problems framework. This ensures that the
Thane Municipal Corporation While municipal corporations initiatives are not just impactful but
also sustainable, considering the
(TMC) has been proactive in its have made significant broader impact.
approach to urban cleanliness achievements, there are inherent
and sustainability. With a recent challenges that need to be Pre-assessment of technology
budget allocation of ₹4,370 crore, understood and addressed: solutions: Before implementing
a significant portion is dedicated any technological solution, it’s
to waste management and Differential approach: In important to conduct a thorough
sustainability initiatives. Central keeping with the size of the assessment. This should take into
to these efforts are the ‘Triple R’ corporations, the approach has account the local context, potential
centres, strategically located across been more at the micro level challenges and the long-term
Thane, processing over 300 tonnes and isolated. The initiatives are advantages, ensuring that the
of waste daily. localised rather than adopting technology is appropriate for the
The neighbouring Kalyan- a holistic approach in the given specific need.
circumstances. The need possibly
Dombivali Municipal Corporation is for macro level planning Engaging with domain experts:
(KDMC) has showcased its with comprehensive initiatives Partnerships with domain experts
commitment to urban development to achieve overall results. This can bring forth invaluable insights.
with a significant budget allocation. certainly is a colossal task. This ensures that the initiatives,
The corporation claims to treat while being innovative, are also
100% of wet waste in the city and Challenges of technology rooted in practicality and are
has achieved a remarkable 95% integration: Technological adaptable to real-world challenges.
waste segregation rate. solutions like GPS tracking and Regular monitoring: Consistent
Vasai-Virar City Municipal QR codes are innovative, but evaluation of the results of any
Corporation (VVCMC) has taken a their effectiveness could face initiative is indispensable. Such
delays, cost overruns and issues
significant step towards eradicating in timely implementation. There monitoring not only aids in
manual scavenging by introducing early identification of potential
the Bandicoot robot. This initiative is definitely a large scope for trial challenges but also ascertains that
not only ensures cleaner sewers runs but would require planned the initiative is aligned with its
but also upholds the dignity of implementation for effective results. primary objectives.
sanitation workers. Economic feasibility: Certain India’s municipal corporations
Mira-Bhayandar Municipal groundbreaking initiatives would have indeed made noteworthy
Corporation (MBMC) has launched have to consider their long-term progress towards fostering cleaner
‘Operation Rudra’ for cleanliness economic viability. Evaluating the and more sustainable urban
in slums and introduced truck- return on investment and the long- environments. While we celebrate
mounted mist cannons for dust term sustainability of such projects these milestones, it’s imperative to
control. The corporation’s ambition is essential. concurrently address the inherent
to secure a place among the Top 3 Possible hurdles: Given the challenges, ensuring that every
cleanest cities of India is backed early stages of many initiatives, step taken is not only impactful but
by its robust waste management there’s a risk of not fully also sustainable for the foreseeable
strategies. anticipating certain outcomes. For future. CIJ

SEPTEMBER 2023•Clean India Journal
32 www.cleanindiajournal.com