Columnists

Isher Judge Ahluwalia

The writer is chairperson of Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and former chairperson of the high-powered expert committee on urban infrastructure and services.

Use of single-use plastic needs to be minimised, but the larger problem also needs to be attended to

Wed, Oct 30, 2019

Single-use plastic is only part of what is truly a massive challenge, and that is the management of all kinds of plastic waste.

Segregation of waste: There is a disturbing pushback against this effort

Wed, Sep 25, 2019

Today, New York plans near-zero waste to landfill by 2030, which is in line with our Rules 2000. The difference is that they are working towards it, while we are far from enforcing the Rules.

Why we need more facilities like Delhi’s Siri Fort Sports Complex

Wed, Aug 28, 2019

The Siri Fort complex seems to be meeting a crucial need of the residents of South Delhi for a place to walk, play, swim and to engage with each other. It is well maintained, well managed and has succeeded in creating a sense of pride in those who use it regularly.

Cities At Crossroads: A better blueprint for the city

Wed, Jul 31, 2019

There needs to be in place a clear roadmap for the planning of metropolitan cities.

Not just pipes and tankers

Thu, Jun 27, 2019

A compact between the Centre and states is necessary to address India’s water-related challenges. This should involve local governments and communities of water users

In his second term, Modi can ensure better urbanisation through greater devolution of power, and finances

Wed, May 29, 2019

State governments have the principal responsibility for urban development. But in order to deliver, they can and should ensure that city governments are sufficiently empowered to get the job done. The state governments need to decentralise, devolve and empower the cities.

Cities At Crossroads: Small shows the way

Wed, Apr 24, 2019

Transformation of the municipal solid waste scenario in Tamil Nadu highlights the importance of a systems approach and the role of leadership.

Challenge of managing solid waste in our cities requires community engagement

Wed, Apr 03, 2019

Vellore, with a population of five lakh, has been a trailblazer in decentralised management of solid waste and sending no waste to landfills. It has earned the remarkable distinction of getting its residents to separate wet waste from dry waste.

Cities at crossroads: Small town, cleaner future

Wed, Feb 27, 2019

Big cities should learn how to implement waste separation effectively from small, mid-sized Indian cities.

Waste-to-Energy plants that use solid waste as feedstock pose threat to environment

Wed, Jan 30, 2019

WtE plants in India burn mixed waste. The presence of chlorinated hydrocarbons like PVC results in the release of dioxins and furans when the waste is burnt at less than 850 degree C. Appropriate filtering mechanisms need to be installed to control such dangerous emissions.

The afterlife of e-goods

Wed, Dec 26, 2018

A rapidly growing e-waste crisis needs rapid official decision-making, time-bound responses.

The three bin solution

Wed, Nov 28, 2018

Hazardous, wet and dry domestic waste must be separated. The primary responsibility lies with consumers.

Recycle and build

Wed, Oct 24, 2018

A proactive effort from municipalities and citizens towards recycling of construction and demolition waste will go a long way in curbing pollution.

Building from debris

Wed, Sep 26, 2018

Construction and demolition waste is an environment and public health hazard. Its recycle and reuse offers a sustainable solution

Cities at crossroads: No more cover-ups

Wed, Aug 29, 2018

Municipal authorities are opting for capping as a solution to the problem of mixed waste at dumpsites. Bio-remediation and bio-mining may be more desirable.

Cities At Crossroads: Managing the run-off

Wed, Aug 01, 2018

An IIT Delhi report offers important pointers on how to ensure a smooth drainage system in the capital using its natural waterways.

Ripples of reform in Dhaka

Wed, Jun 27, 2018

Bangladesh capital’s transformation of the water services sector, that connects the urban poor to the piped network, has lessons for cities in India

Cities at Crossroads: Who pays to save this lake?

Wed, May 30, 2018

Bengaluru waterbody, Jakkur, restored by a citizen’s initiative, now stands to be deprived of water by a power plant, raising questions about making environmentally sound practices economically viable.

Cities at Crossroads: Bring back the lakes

Wed, Apr 25, 2018

Citizen action on rejuvenation of water bodies is gathering momentum in Bengaluru and is making a difference on the ground.

What urban waste has to do with global warming

Wed, Feb 07, 2018

Recycling, composting and biomethanation will not only make landfills unnecessary, they will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Segregation must begin at home

Wed, Dec 27, 2017

The middle and upper-income classes ought to recognise their critical role in the solid waste management chain and live up to it

Cities at Crossroads: Perils of plastics waste

Wed, Nov 29, 2017

A sustainable way forward is to minimise consumption of single use plastic items, create awareness about the use of appropriate grade of plastic, and emphasise the importance of recycling and reuse.

Cities at crossroads: Don’t waste the possibilities

Wed, Oct 25, 2017

Use of plastic to lay roads shows the way. Initiatives in states like Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh are worth emulating.

From waste to health

Wed, Sep 27, 2017

Compost from biodegradable municipal solid waste will simultaneously clean up our cities and improve agricultural productivity and soil quality of our farms