In month of ‘Swachh Kranti’, state pushes for segregation at source, proper processing of garbage in urban areas

Proper awareness among local residents and the practice of segregation at source was needed, and that’s why the state government was planning to implement the ‘Swachh August Kranti’ programme through this month.

The segregation, collection and transportation of waste should be done scientifically, and it has to be a permanent system that should be functional without depending on any person, stated the directive.

After declaring its urban areas open defecation free (ODF) with much fanfare on October 1 last year, the state government has now put the segregation and processing of waste on the top of its priority list, and designated August as ‘Swachh August Kranti’ for the purpose.

In directives sent to all local bodies, the state government said, “The main thrust of solid waste management in urban areas is segregation of waste and scientific processing. It has been observed that the waste does not have any value unless it is segregated. The plants processing mixed waste have failed so far… it is necessary to completely segregate the waste”.

Proper awareness among local residents and the practice of segregation at source was needed, and that’s why the state government was planning to implement the ‘Swachh August Kranti’ programme through this month, it said.

Under the programme, urban local bodies have to ensure that 80 per cent of the waste collected is segregated at the source, while 100 per cent of its is collected and transported, so that it can be processed scientifically.

While the processing of wet waste has to be done effectively, the dry waste should be recycled. The segregation, collection and transportation of waste should be done scientifically, and it has to be a permanent system that should be functional without depending on any person, stated the directive.

The civic bodies will have to ensure that door-to-door collection and transportation of waste is done by properly planning the movement of garbage vehicles in their jurisdiction, and that dry waste and wet waste is transported separately. The state government has also asked civic staff to educate local residents about the segregation of waste at source.

The head of the civic body and the administrative official in-charge would be responsible for implementing the programme and civic bodies that effectively implement it would be granted funds for further work, stated the state directive.

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The civic body has to submit a daily report to the district administration officer, who will forward it to the state government. District officials will also visit the civic bodies to check the progress of the programme.

In the Swachh Sarvekshan for 2018, a few cities from the state had received good ratings due to the efforts put in by their civic bodies to segregate, collect and transport waste, while some others had received poor rating.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in: Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps. Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra. Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development. Investigative and Policy Impact: National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism. Additional Interests Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues. Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More

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