Uncollected waste in the state at 41%, construction waste largely unprocessed: CAG raises concern

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).

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.