76 per cent of the test-checked ULBs (34 ULBs) were collecting bio-medical waste generated by households mixed with solid waste. (Source: File/Representational )
Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Waste Management in Urban Local Bodies presented in the Maharashtra Assembly on Wednesday recommended that the government may prepare a comprehensive policy and strategy for solid waste management focusing on minimising the generation of waste.
The audit noticed that the percentage of uncollected waste in the state was 41 per cent during 2021-22 while 64 per cent of the test-checked ULBs (29 out of 45 urban local bodies) did not achieve the service level benchmark of household level coverage of collection of waste.
Audit also noticed deficiency in the segregation of waste at source.
“Construction and demolition waste in the state remained largely unprocessed and was disposed of by landfilling or filling of low-lying areas. 76 per cent of the test-checked ULBs (34 ULBs) were collecting bio-medical waste generated by households mixed with solid waste. In 24 out of the 45 checked ULBs, e-waste collected was mixed with solid waste. 25 per cent of the waste collected was not processed in 45 test-checked ULBs during 2021-22,” the report said.
“Sanitary landfills were not developed in 26 out of 45 test-checked ULBs. 13 out of 40 test-checked ULBs did not plan for bio-mining and bio-remediation or scientific capping of open dumpsites. A significant number of ULBs did not distribute various items of personal protection equipment kits to workers,” the report said.
The audit report pointed out that the state government had issued Government Resolutions and orders for segregation of waste at source, banning sale and use of single-use plastic and levy of fines for littering.
However, the government did not prepare state policy and strategy for solid waste management as envisaged in the Solid Waste Management Rules (SWM Rules).
“Detailed Project Reports for a period of five years (short-term) were prepared by all the 42 test-checked Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
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Long-term plans in Detailed Project Reports were framed in 71 per cent (30 out of 42 ULBs) of the test-checked ULBs. Audit noticed incorrect estimation of waste generation and processing capacity planned in the Detailed Project Reports. There were delays in framing the bye-laws incorporating the provisions of the SWM Rules by ULBs,” it said.
It has recommended the Government to direct ULBs to prepare holistic detailed project report for solid waste management.
Among other recommendations include Government directing ULBs to levy user charges on solid waste management services, reviewing the poor performance of the ULBs in collecting the solid waste management charges and steps for its improvement, ensuring that ULBs install weighbridges for weighment of solid waste, directing the ULBs to take proactive steps for the formation of Self-Help Groups of waste pickers and encourage their involvement in solid waste management.
Alok Deshpande is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized for his focused and authoritative reporting on governance, politics, and the socio-economic dynamics of Maharashtra's hinterlands. His unique academic background in Geology and early work in the water sector provides a specialized layer of Expertise to his reporting on resource and environmental issues.
Expertise
Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai.
Core Authority: Alok provides detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, with a particular emphasis on how policies and power struggles affect the rural and semi-urban areas (the 'hinterlands').
Key Coverage Areas: His reports frequently focus on high-stakes administrative and political topics, including:
State Assembly Proceedings: In-depth reporting on the Legislative Assembly, covering ministerial statements, legislative debates, and inter-party conflict within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Policy & Finance: Coverage of state finances, including supplementary budget demands, fiscal deficits, and major government schemes (e.g., Jal Jeevan Mission, Ladki Bahin Yojana).
Rural and Social Issues: Reports on critical health issues (e.g., child deaths in districts), human-animal conflict (leopard attacks, stray dogs), and agrarian concerns (e.g., farmer suicides).
Local and Urban Governance: Covers major announcements regarding urban development (e.g., BMC's OC amnesty scheme, pagdi system push) and local body elections, including political defections and alliance splits.
Unique Credentials & Trustworthiness
Academic Specialization: Holds a Post-graduate degree in Geology. This background gives him a foundational understanding of natural resources, which directly informs his reporting on environment, water, and infrastructure projects.
Early Professional Experience: His shift to journalism came after working with an NGO focused on the water sector. This practical experience strengthens his Expertise in critical areas like water management and rural development, as evidenced by his reporting on the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Journalism Training: An alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, confirming his formal training and commitment to rigorous journalistic standards.
Alok Deshpande's rare combination of scientific education, non-profit sector experience, and deep political reporting makes him a highly trusted and authoritative voice on the governance and ground realities of Maharashtra.
He tweets @alokdesh ... Read More
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