effective & equitable solid waste management · 2020. 8. 1. · 6 figure 1: heirarchy ofwaste...
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Effective & Equitable Solid Waste Management
Action Report for a Sustainable SWM System at Velas
by Civic Response Team, Aurangabad
ACTION REPORT
For GoI-‐GIZ-‐CMPA Maharashtra Project
Submitted by Civic Response Team, Aurangabad
October,[email protected]
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Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................ 3
2. Introduction: ........................................................................................................................................ 5
2.1. Report Brief: .................................................................................................................................. 5
2.2. Background on SWM: ................................................................................................................. 5
2.3. About Velas: .................................................................................................................................. 7
2.4. About CRT^ .................................................................................................................................. 7
3. Methodology: ....................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1. Primary Data Collection: ............................................................................................................. 8
3.2. Secondary Data & Research Work: ............................................................................................ 8
3.3. Limitations: ................................................................................................................................... 9
4. Data Analysis and Findings ............................................................................................................ 10
4.1. Local Perceptions towards Waste ............................................................................................ 10
4.2. Analysis of local behavior towards waste disposal .............................................................. 11
4.3. Analysis of scope for integration of local informal recycler ................................................ 14
4.4. Waste Sampling: ......................................................................................................................... 16
4.5. Opportunities and Challenges: ................................................................................................ 16
5. Recommended Interventions .......................................................................................................... 18
5.1. Systems Interventions: .............................................................................................................. 18
5.2. Qualitative Recommendations: ................................................................................................. 21
5.3. SWM System for Public Spaces: ............................................................................................... 23
5.4. Velas village SWM Campaign Branding: ............................................................................... 24
6. Remarks in Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 24
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Acknowledgements
We are grateful to the Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Vasudevan, for his kind guidance and for giving us the opportunity to work with the people of Velas. We thank Ms. Supriya Jhunjhunwala of GIZ for all her encouragement and counsel for the work at Velas. A special thanks to Mr. Ghosh for making our first meeting at the Mangrove Cell so fruitful. We especially thank and acknowledge the efforts of Mr. Mohan whose very strong network in Velas made our work considerably easier and faster. Individuals like Vidya and Vaibhavi shared their time, thoughts and resources to contribute to the findings of this report. It The Sarpanch and members of the Gram Panchayet also contributed to the findings of this report though their cooperation and enthusiastic participation. Finally, we would like to extend our gratitude to Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra and Kasav Mitra Mandal whose hard-‐work over the past decade has created a strong network of active residents in Velas. The experience of working with these organizations has created a positive image for new initiatives and projects amongst the residents. ‘ This report would not have been possible but for the strong backing of the rest of the Civic Response Team who managed all on-‐going projects deftly while we worked on building an equitable, practical, efficient and sustainable solution for Velas village, under the auspice of the Mangrove Cell.
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1. Executive Summary
This report has been undertaken in order to develop a customized, sustainable and equitable Solid Waste Management (hereinafter referred to as SWM) system for Velas keeping in mind it’s geographical location, biodiversity, seasonal tourism cycle and local lifestyles and resources. The methodology, focus, content and layout of this report has been developed by CRT^ specifically for the GoI-‐GIZ-‐CMPA, as a precursor to the implementation of the SWM solution at Velas by our team.
This report is a product of the research-‐based phase (phase I) of the Velas SWM project as defined jointly by the Mangrove Cell (hereinafter refered to as ‘The Client’) and CRT^. The purpose is to provide CRT^ as well as the clients an understanding of the current situation with regards to the generation and management of waste, as well as a projection of the interventions required to provide a sound SWM solution for Velas. The implementation of this solution falls within the scope of the second phase of this project.
It must be noted that the SWM problem in Velas is compounded by the fact that it has a large floating population amongst its residents (who have moved to cities like Mumbai for work) as well as the seasonal tourists during the Turtle Festival. Through observational analysis and focused group discussions it has also become apparent that the village authorities (Sarpanch, Gram Panchayat, Gram Sevak) have not been provided a formal process or the relevant training in generating a plan for the management of solid waste in the village, nor does the village have the relevant regulations required to manage the solid waste generated on-‐site.
This report covers:
1. A study of the current SWM situation at Velas including: a. Nature of waste generated b. Current practices of waste management
2. Challenges and Opportunities posed by local lifestyles and resources 3. An action plan for intervention by GOI – GIZ – CMPA for SWM that includes:
a. The technical process b. The educational and awareness initiatives required c. The regulatory and governance framework
Through the findings of this report and experience in working with other villages, we are positive that with the right interventions an effective SWM system can be implemented in Velas. During the on-‐field research, it was found that the newly elected Gram Panchayat is enthusiastic about finding and implementing a solution to the problem of unmanaged garbage in the village. A number of local youth-‐groups are ready to participate in the execution of this project. It is also clear that capacity building of various stakeholders and incorporation of the informal recycling sector shall be the key in implementing a sustainable, equitable and efficient SWM system in Velas. The most promising finding from our
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surveys and interviews was that residents perceive the build-‐up of garbage in the village as a grave problem, and they showed great interest in participating in its final resolution.
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2. Introduction:
2.1. Report Brief:
The CMPA project is one of the flagship projects of the Indo-‐German technical cooperation supporting the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Aichi targets. The overall goal of the project is to contribute to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in select areas along the coast of India. This is expected to ultimately benefit the local population that is dependent on a healthy marine and coastal ecosystem. To reach this goal, the project strives to develop participatory processes for the conservation and management of natural resources, while also facilitating capacity development of key sectors and stakeholders crucial for management of coastal and marine biodiversity and protected areas.1
One of the key sectors in this process is Solid Waste Management (SWM) in the villages and towns that lie along this coastal stretch. The whales, turtles, dolphins, and manatees that have been found along this coast with plastic bags in their stomachs are proof of the impact of ineffective waste management on the marine ecosystem.2 Coastal towns and villages find themselves placed between protecting their fragile ecosystem while harnessing the tourism potential.
One such village – Velas -‐ is famous for the ‘Turtle Festival’, drawing in tourists from the many cities. The SWM system in the village is however ill equipped to properly manage the waste generated by the resident as well as tourist population.
2.2. Background on SWM:
Traditionally Solid Waste Management consisted of the processes of waste collection, transportation and disposal. Street sweeping and drain-‐cleaning are also part of this field in India. However, as the quantities of waste and consequently its negative impacts have increased the attention has shifted towards integrated and sustainable SWM that adds the processes of waste reduction, source segregation, resource recovery and scientific treatment to the system.
1 http://www.indo-‐germanbiodiversity.com/index.php?r=project/view&id=1 2 The Deadly Truth About Trash HSUS animal caretakers see litter's lethal dangers, All Animals magazine, July/Aug 2009
Generation
Segregation
Collection Storage Transportation Treatment Disposal
Sorting
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Figure 1: Heirarchy of waste processing systems in Solid Waste Management.
Source: Earth Engineering Center, Columbia University
Globally, the above is the most commonly accepted hierarchy of waste management with waste reduction and recycling at the top of the pyramid and open dumping at the bottom. Employing techniques (for different waste streams) as close to the top as possible reduces the environmental, health and social impact of SWM systems. The point to be noted is, that as we move towards the apex, the solutions require more participation, more regulation and decentralization. To reduce waste, consumers need to be informed to buy responsibly, and manufacturers need regulation for responsible packaging. For effective recycling, all stakeholders must be informed, encouraged, motivated and finally enforced to comply with the regulation of segregation of waste at source, proper storage and cooperation with staff.
As we move down the pyramid, the processes become more centralized with a graver environmental, health and economical impact. The focus of this report is to use technologies and processes that complement each other to create a system that is sustainable and convenient to the local body, all residents and establishments, with an aim to mitigate the effect of waste on the environment and the biodiversity of area.
After studying the SWM laws in India, best practices from across the country and the Swachh Bharat guidelines for villages and the SWM situation in Velasm, CRT^ has arrived at six key principles that should guide waste management in Velas:
1. Three-‐way source segregation at the point of generation. 2. Reliable and Regular Collection supported by the local body. 3. Decentralization of organic waste treatment. 4. Incorporation and capacity building of the local recycler (bhangarwala, feriwala) 5. Dignity of labour and enhancement of livelihoods 6. Capacity building of the members of the Gram Panchayat, the youth and the householders in
managing waste, and owning the SWM solution for the village.
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2.3. About Velas:
Velas is located on the border of Mandangad district of Maharashtra. While the census of 2011 puts the household population of Velas at 157, the field study showed that the number touches 300 and includes the area of Narayan Nagar. The village is now gaining popularity for its Turtle Festival, which attracts several hundred tourists from various cities. The village has benefitted tremendously from the work of the Forest Department and the Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra (SNM) over the past 12 years. The Forest Department, MTDC and GIZ have also contributed towards integration of the local population in biodiversity conservation through the development of tourism and related livelihoods in the village.
In the CMPA Project outline shared with CRT^, the Velas to Dabhol coastal stretch is described as an approximately 60 km coastal stretch located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Beaches along this coast have become popular due to the sea turtle nesting sites. Habitats in the region include sandy beaches, rocky shores, mangroves, estuaries, coastal plateaus and moist deciduous forests on the hillside.3 This region is inextricably linked to the Western Ghats, which rank amongst one of the top ten global biodiversity hot spots in the world.4
2.4. About CRT^
CRT^ is a firm that combines research and capacity building and partners with clients to implement appropriate solutions to civic and environmental challenges.
Our Values: CRT^ holds itself to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism while proactively partnering with diverse clients to build creative and knowledge-‐driven solutions.
Our Belief: Our work at CRT^ is driven by a confidence that active citizenship and entrepreneurship guided by research can create tremendous change. It is also driven by a belief that there is a scope for partnership with various stakeholders, that within each person and organization is the capacity and willingness to participate in nation-‐building.
3 Conservation and Sustainable Management of Existing and Potential Coastal and Marine Protected Areas (CMPA) Project 4 Conservation International
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3. Methodology:
3.1. Primary Data Collection:
The primary data collection for this project included:
• Observational Study: The research study began with an in-‐depth observational study of current practices and problems in the village. The observational study took into account the following points:
– Identifying current practices of waste collection and disposal, – Identifying informal dumping points, – topography of the village and the terrain, – local structures of hierarchy, caste-‐segregation, etc.
• Stakeholder’s Survey: This survey was designed to generate data on current practices of
consumption, storage and disposal of waste. The survey was conducted with 30 households, which is roughly 10% of the total household population.
• Semi-‐Structured Interviews: The interviews were conducted with key informants to identify social, political and governance opportunities and challenges in implementing a new SWM system.
• Waste Sampling and Profile: This study of over 25 households was done to develop an
understanding of the quantity and quality of non-‐biodegradable wastes being generated, and the costs and viability of a collection system.
• Focus-‐Group Discussion: Three FGDs were organized with the Gram Panchayat, youth groups and active members of the community to get feedback on the proposed system, and to identify key stakeholders who may play an active role in implementation of the solution.
3.2. Secondary Data & Research Work:
The off-‐site research for this project has predominantly involved a review of SWM legislation and policy at the state, and national level and consultations with SWM experts and practitioners from different part of the country.
The legislations and policy documents that we have drawn upon include:
• Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000 • Plastics Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 • Maharashtra Non-‐Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 2006 • Swachh Bharat Guidelines
The experts we have consulted include:
• Ms. Almitra Patel, Member, Supreme Court Committee, Solid Waste Management • Laxmi Narayan, SWaCH, Pune
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• Ashabai Doke, Nirmal Sahyog, Aurangabad • Mr. Ramdas Kokare, Ratnagiri • Mr. Rasik Shah, Malegaon.
3.3. Limitations:
The fieldwork for this project was carried out during the Ganesh festival season. Therefore both the quantity and quality of waste will differ from the regular months, as well as from tourist season. While this is a limitation of the study it has also served as a reminder to develop a flexible system that can cater to the seasonal cycle, especially given the fluctuations in population from the surge in volumes of tourists from January-‐ March and during major festivals.
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4. Data Analysis and Findings
4.1. Local Perceptions towards Waste
68%
23%
9%
Who is responsible for managing your waste?
Each Individual
Gram Panchayat
Residents and Gram Panchayat
The survey indicated that over three-‐fourths of the residents of Velas believe that mis-‐management of waste is increasingly becoming a problem.
The survey and interviews also brought forth that issues such as bad infrastructure, lack of local job opportunities are high on the priority list for residents of Velas. SWM is thus competing with these issues for attention and resource allocation.
Unlike most urban areas we have surveyed where SWM is considered a responsibility of the ULB, most respondents in Velas assert that SWM is a responsibility of every individual in the village. The lack of dependency on the Panchayat may serve as an advantage in the implementation of a SWM system wherein households play a major role.
Through the interviews it was found that the residents who stated that waste was ‘not a problem’ in Velas, actually believed that the people of Velas ‘take care of their own waste by burning and dumping waste away from the village’. While this does suggest that people take responsibility of their own waste, it also means that burning and dumping of waste are accepted as forms of ‘responsible waste management.’ It must be noted though, that burning is carried out away from the living area thus implying an understanding of its negative impact on human health or comfort. This was confirmed through our interviews, in which a few residents ranging from the youth to the village elder, stated that burning of waste is harmful to human health and the environment.
The challenge will lie in maintaining the sense of responsibility but changing the understanding of responsible practices and communicating effectively the ill effects of burning waste and dumping it into the ocean. The recommended system will also have to be as convenient, if not more, than the present practices of burning and dumping.
77%
23%
Do you think Velas has a waste problem?
Yes
No
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4.2. Analysis of local behavior towards waste disposal
Figure 2 Graphical depiction of methods of siposal of waste employed by residents
The most common practices of SWM at present are burning and dumping waste into the parya or nala (storm-‐water drains) or the khadan (trench) near the ocean. This finding is in line with our observation that most of the visible waste is found in the storm-‐water drains. Due to the rains, the same waste was observed at different locations within the (informal) drain network as it made its way into the ocean.
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2
4
6
8
10
12
14
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Burn Fuel Throw outside
Compost Feed Animals Bury Sell
What do you do with your waste?
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Figure 3 Informal Dumping Spots in the backwaters (left), in storm water drains along the village (right).
Figure 4 Waste being burned at informal dumping spots (left), waste gathering along shore bends (right)
As in the images above, it is common to see waste dumped into or along the nalas. The water in the nalas is expected to carry this waste to the ocean. Burnt remains on waste are found outside many households early in the morning.
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Figure 5 Pie Chart depicting awaeness levels of residents at Velas
The practices of source segregation of waste and of storage (for collection) are uncommon in Velas. Only one of the 30 households surveyed was aware of source segregation. And only three respondents followed the practice of storage of waste in bins before disposal. Most respondents stated that they dumped waste in designated spots in their backyards as soon as it was generated.
The awareness and training module will therefore be integral to a sustainable solution. In addition, for the waste that people can’t treat privately, the practice of storing waste until a predetermined collection schedule will also have to be introduced.
Figure 6 Pie Chart depiction of residents’ responses to use of disposable items in Velas
In terms of disposable bio-‐medical waste (that is non-‐compostable and non-‐recyclable), the use of sanitary pads and diapers is on the rise in the village, up to 24% respondents claimed to use sanitary care items either regularly or occasionally. Thus signaling the generation of a significant amounts of bio-‐medical waste within the village.
5%
95%
Do you know about waste segregation?
Yes
No
30%
70%
Do you store waste before disposal?
Yes
No
24%
76%
Do you use disposable diapers/ pads?
Yes
No
0%
100%
Do you use disposable utensils?
Yes
No
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As for disposable cutlery, all respondents said that they only use reusable steel plates, spoons and banana leaves however, thermocol plates were one of the most common waste items observed, especially during the Ganesh festival.
Further questioning about the source of the thermocol plates lying waste in the village, brought to light the divide between the people who reside in Velas permanently and those who have migrated to other places (mainly Mumbai city) for work and return only during festivals. The latter reside mostly in Mumbai or other major cities of Maharashtra for most of the year. They are perceived by other residents as bringing in much of the trash and disposable items during festivals. Upon observation, it was found that three out of the four shops surveyed, stocked and sold thermocol and other disposable plates and cups for local consumption. Thus, bringing to the fore the challenge in bringing forth awareness amongst the migrant population, as well as stemming the source of non-‐recyclable disposable materials sold within the village for local consumption.
During the FGD held by CRT^ with village panchayat members, a representative of GIZ and two representatives of SNM and other interested locals, the topic of thermocol cutlery was discussed at length, with the local attendees stating that it was in fact the most common item found in the garbage generated by the village. A representative of GIZ proposed that the village panchayat should consider the banning of the sale and use of such plates within the village. This suggestion was met with a positive response from the Sarpanch as well as the other members of the panchayat. Thus indicating a willingness to make policy decisions to aid SWM systems within the village in the immediate future.
Figure 7 Signs of use and mismanagement of sanitary waste (left) and disposable cutlery waste (right) as seen in Velas
4.3. Analysis of scope for integration of local informal recycler
One of the key stakeholders in the recommended system is the local scrap-‐shop owner (kabadiwala/ bhangarwala) – as he serves as a link between the generators of recyclable waste and the recyclers/ manufacturers. A semi-‐structured interview with the closest scrap-‐shop owner Mr. Naimullah Khan who lives and works in neighboring Bankot, barely 3 kilometers away, revealed great scope in integrating him into the Velas SWM system. Through the interview, it was learned that, at present two “feriwalas” – individuals who go door-‐to-‐door to pick up high-‐value recyclable waste – bring recyclables from Velas to Bankot on a weekly basis, in exchange for grocery items such as potatoes and onions. While Mr. Khan
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reports that the feriwalas go to Velas at least three times a week, residents of Velas report that they have not seen the feriwalas in about a month. The claims on the kinds of items that the feriwalas accept also vary between Mr. Khan and the residents. This highlights the lack of communication and planning involved in the logistics of informal recyclable waste collection currently.
The waste recycler aggregates metal, plastic (of three different grades), paper, glass and cardboard at his rented shop in Bankot. From here the material goes either to Mumbai or Chiplun for further processing. Besides Velas and Bankot, waste from Veshvi, Chipola and Baghmandla is also channelized to his shop by other feriwalas.
Figure 8 Feriwalas (left & right) sorting discarded plastic items at Mr. Khan's Scrap Shop
Mr. Khan expressed considerable interest in partnering with the Velas Gram Panchayat to implement a SWM system through which he can access good quality segregated recyclable waste. He is also willing to consider broadening the types of items he accepts based on a study of quantities and quality. For example, he does not store milk packets at the moment as he does not get the desired quantities, but would be willing to store them in the future, if residents provide him with unsoiled recyclable items.
Mr. Khan has the potential of becoming an integral part of the SWM solution at Velas and strengthening his storage, transportation and even processing capacities will need to be considered as part of the new system.
CRT^ also interviewed three other informal scrap-‐shop owners in nearby villages, who can serve as a back-‐up mechanism in case the recycler at Bankot is unavailable for a period of time for whatever reason. These other waste recyclers also provide great scope for sound management systems of recyclable waste to be extended to other villages in the vicinity, such as Kelshi and Angerla, thus maximizing the impact of this intervention, and reducing the detrimental impact of waste littering, dumping and burning on the health and the environment of this part of the Konkan coast.
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4.4. Waste Sampling:
Material Quantity (kg)
Rate (rs.) Value (rs.)
Plastic I 0.75 16 12
Paper 2 2 4
Plastic II 0.7 2 1.4
Cardboard 0.9 7 6.3
Total 4.35 23.7
Figure 9 Waste profile of collected sample
From this sample, 1.6 kgs constituted mostly of multi-‐layered packaging material which is practically very difficult to store for recycling due to its light-‐weight and large volume, thus making it unviable to transport for recycling. Thermacol provides the same set of challenges. There is therefore a need to control the very generation of this type of waste, and to provide better methods of storing this waste in forms of bailing machines, etc.
From the data above, we can only roughly estimate the Velas will generate roughly 1.7 tonnes of dry-‐non-‐biodegradable waste per month, thus potentially making a monthly collection viable. The income from this waste may suffice to pay for the transportation and labour required for a monthly door-‐to-‐door collection and transfer to the recycler at Bankot.
This exercise has also confirmed that segregation can be explained and implemented relatively easily in Velas as most of these households delivered proper segregated waste based on a 3-‐minute explanation.
4.5. Opportunities and Challenges:
Opportunities:
• A sense of pride in Velas village • Recognition that waste management is the responsibility of every individual • Prevelance of banana leaf and steel plates in most households • Predominant use of cloth diapers and pads • Ground-‐work in terms of participatory solutions already done by SNM (active mitra mandals and
bachat gats are already in place) • Turtle Festival and the associated tourism has led to an interest in environmental conservation
Of the twenty households that agreed to store their dry waste for three days, sixteen complied effortlessly to the instructions given and only four households were unable to do so properly. These two households stored mixed waste and were not clear on the difference between wet and dry waste. Two other households had gone out and collected plastics from their entire street, having misunderstood the intent of the exercise.
Therefore, from sixteen households from across the village we collected 5.95 kgs of dry waste in two days time.
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• Enterprising scrap-‐dealer located in neighboring Bankot
Challenges:
• Perception that burning and dumping into the ocean are acceptable forms of waste management/disposal
• Absence of practice of in-‐house storage of waste • No dealer for household e-‐waste, hazardous waste & biomedical waste. • Disposable pads and diapers are making in-‐roads into the village, while the SWM system
remains ill-‐equipped to handle this • Use of thermocole plates and glasses abounds during festivals and weddings. • Coast receives waste from other villages by means of ocean currents, thus polluting the beaches
regularly.
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5. Recommended Interventions
5.1. Systems Interventions:
The image below captures the outline of the recommended system for SWM in Velas in terms of the flow of materials. It also indicates the predominant stakeholder responsible.
Figure 10 Flowchart depicting the transfer of materials in the proposed SWM system for Velas Village
The second image captures the recommended system (specifically for private households and establishments) in terms of the standard process of SWM and the action points at each stage of the process:
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Figure 11 Recomended stages in the proposed Velas SWM system
The action points are elaborated upon below:
Generation:
Reduction of waste, the most effective method of waste management, is only possible at the stage of generation, through interventions such as:
1. Awareness programs on the effects of certain materials on human and environmental health
2. Ban on the use and sale of non-‐recyclable items such as thermocol and the simultaneous promotion of alternatives (biodegradable plates/ cups – which can also be set up as an entrepreneurial venture)
3. Promotion of cloth diapers and pads and awareness about the ill-‐effects of disposables (stitching of these pads and diapers can also be turned into an entrepreneurial venture)
4. Promotion of local chips and biscuits so as to avoid multi-‐layered packaging products
Segregation/ Storage:
Source segregation is the foundation of any effective SWM system, irrespective of the treatment technology. It allows each waste stream to be utilized in the most optimal manner. It needs to be implemented through:
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1. Mass awareness drive, which will include a presentation at a village meeting, street-‐corner meetings, door-‐to-‐door campaigning, development of visual communication materials etc.
2. Enforcement of Source Segregation through incentives and penalties by the Panchayat, after the week long awareness drive is over.
3. Provision of a “SWM kit” consisting of two bins (for organic and bio-‐medical/ reject waste) and a bag (for recyclable waste).
Collection/ Transportation:
That SWM is recognized as a responsibility of each resident is a huge opportunity to establish systems that decentralize management and reduce the burden on the panchayat:
1. Once a month collection of recyclable and bio-‐medical/reject to be provided by Panchayat (using a local auto-‐rickshaw). Collection can be provided more often, if the quantity of recyclable waste being generated
2. No collection for organic materials
3. Rickshaw driver to be trained in composting and biogas, so as to provide any assistance required by residents (on the day of collection)
4. The collected waste
Sorting:
The informal sector (comprising of the feriwalas and kabadiwala at Bankot) must be integrated into the system to ensure cost-‐effective sorting and recycling. They already collect recyclable waste from Velas, but in an unorganized manner. Through the SWM system, they can systematically get access to clean, dry, recyclable waste:
1. Collected recyclable waste to be sold to Bankot scrap shop (monthly)
2. Since the shop is an integral part of the system, we recommend that the client invest in increasing its capacity by providing assistance in purchasing basic equipment such as a baling crate/ weighing scale and reinforcing the physical structure of the shop
3. The waste, once sorted at the shop will be sold in Mumbai/ Chiplun by the scrap-‐dealer himself
Treatment:
The recyclables will be put to effective use through the scrap shop. We propose that organic waste be treated at source by private households and establishments while the bio-‐medical waste be deposited at the nearest hospital to be treated with the bio-‐medical waste of the hospital itself. This will require:
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1. Composting workshops in every neighborhood (windrow composting for house-‐holds with fields/ gardens and pot-‐composting for households without fields/ gardens is recommended)
2. Ensuring availability of composting cultures (we recommend the use of BioWizard, a product of Zenith Chemicals, which we have found to be useful as an odor control and compost catalyst in our previous projects)
3. Development of a local composting expert (ideally the auto-‐rickshaw driver who will go door-‐to-‐door to collect the other waste and will hence be accessible to each household)
4. Some residents already have biogas plants, which treat their organic waste. The feedback about these plants is very positive and these need to be promoted.
5. The bio-‐medical waste collected will need to be transported to the nearest hospital. Hospitals are required to have their own treatment plants or hire the services of a professional bio-‐medical waste management agency. Through the nearest hospital, Velas can direct its bio-‐medical waste to the right handler. The Panchayat may be required to pay the hospital.
Disposal:
While we do not believe that there will be much waste to be disposed at the end of the system, we will observe the process for three months and ensure that any residual waste is taken care of.
5.2. Qualitative Recommendations:
Velas requires the following GOI-‐GIZ-‐CMPA driven interventions:
Local ownership of SWM Solution:
CRT^ has always laid a focus on building solutions with the local stakeholders, rather than imposing a system upon them. For example, through the current field-‐visit in Velas, through multiple stakeholder meetings and FGDs, CRT^ has taken feedback from government authorities, village elders, youth groups, shop owners, home-‐stay owners, etc. To formalize this, CRT^ has asked the Panchayat to submit a letter requesting the support of CRT^, GIZ and the Mangrove Cell for the implementation of an SWM system. The Mangrove Cell has received communication that the Gram Panchayet has discussed this matter during their Gram Sabha on 8th October, 2015 and have issued the request letter. This will ensure that ownership of the solution remains with the Panchayat.
Behavioural Change in Residents & Visitors
The SWM plan in Velas village will be contingent upon the successful implementation of the MSW Rules, 2000. In order to do this, CRT^ proposes that the GOI-‐GIZ-‐CMPA project focus on the following interventions:
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a. Integrated Design Campaign: Three-‐way source segregation of waste into organic, in-‐organic and household biomedical/sharps. This to be done through a concerted integrated design Campaign through posters & stickers, fixed boards in relevant locations, workshops in school, door-‐to-‐door campaigning and neighborhood meetings.
b. Appropriate Design of Equipment: Advocate and provide for appropriate storage of waste at source: Encourage use of a dustbin with a lid for organic waste, a large appropriately designed bag for recyclable/inorganic waste, and another bin for biomedical waste & sharps. The collection rickshaw will also be equipped with appropriate bags to ensure that the segregated waste remains segregated.
c. Scientific composting of organic waste: Residents to be trained on methods of composting systematically. Layering of waste, use of cow-‐dung or other bio-‐cultures, distance from water-‐body, etc. Workshops and Training Programs for home-‐stay owners, residents and youth groups to understand proper composting of waste. Furthermore, residents to be encouraged to pursue locally available schemes for installation of bio-‐gas plants.
d. Disinfection of biomedical waste & sharps: Residents and clinics to be provided information and training on appropriate method of handling bio-‐medical waste. Residents to be introduced to alternate forms of diapers & pads that are either compostable or reusable.
Governance and Regulations
Gram Panchayat along with the Forest Department to be the main torch bearer of the SWM Solution in Velas. The defined role to include:
d. Regulations: Passing regulations required for the sustainability of the SWM solution. For example, regulation on use of disposable materials such as thermocol plates and cups, segregation of waste, Beach cleaning responsibility allocation, etc.
e. Incentive for Proactive Residents: Gram Panchayat, along with support from Forest Department and CRT^ to include local media for the promotion of sound waste management practices, discouragement of waste burning and dumping, and rewarding active residents and authorities with appropriate news coverage.
Integration of Informal Sector
Velas is fortunate to be located close to two enterprising informal waste recyclers. During the implementation phase of this project, CRT^ will work with either or both of these individuals to ensure maximum uptake of recyclable materials at specific intervals. The client will be required to support these individuals by subsidizing bailing crates, shredders (if required), increasing storage capacities, improving
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service provision and appropriate branding and outreach for capacity building. Informal sector integration is essential to make the system sustainable and equitable.
Capacity Building of youth and youth-groups
Through semi-‐structured interviews it was learned that the youth of Velas are in search of alternate means of livelihood. One youth expressed an interest in venturing into the field of solid waste management service provision, while another expressed an interest in starting an enterprise for manufacturing disposable containers (plates and cups) made of biodegradable materials such as areca leaves. This SWM solution can be driven by the youth, thus empowering them to take on further development-‐based activities, generating livelihoods and instilling confidence through capacity building. For example, introducing livelihood generating activities such as:
a. Eco-‐friendly disposable cutlery manufacturing units
b. Home-‐made cloth sanitary pads and diapers
c. Home-‐made cloth and paper bags to be sold at shops and other vendors.
d. Training for providing visitors with a SWM orientation and tour of the village.
5.3. SWM System for Public Spaces:
Keeping in view the seasonal inflow of tourists as well as the fact that waste from other villages and towns also washes up on the Velas beach, we recommend the above systems for SWM at public spaces. It is of course essential that other coastal towns and villages also be encouraged to adopt SWM systems that prevent their waste from entering the ocean and polluting it.
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We also recommend that public bins on streets be placed only during tourist season and be removed the rest of the year to prevent them from becoming common dumping spots.
5.4. Velas village SWM Campaign Branding:
Awareness programs will play a central role in implementing a SWM solution in Velas. In order to maintain a continuity and provide a repetition of the message, a concerted awareness campaign will need to be designed and executed. This campaign shall have its own brand language that may be designed in a way that is specific to Velas village, or one that can be generalized to extend to other villages covered under the CMPA project and beyond. This campaign identity shall extend to all the collaterals developed for the SWM solution, such as stickers to illustrate waste segregation, posters to inform visitors about non-littering and fines, etc. Such a brand identity can extend to the menu & tariff cards in the home-stays to keep the message relevant at all places in the village. Please see annex document for an example of branding for the Daulatabad Fort’s SWM campaign conducted by CRT^ for Archeological Survey of India, Confederation of Indian Industry and Endress + Hauser.
6. Remarks in Conclusion
Velas, like other villages along the Konkan coast (indeed, all villages in India) are in urgent need of sound SWM plans, as well as executed solutions on field. There is a need for concerted research and data collections, as well as on-‐field implementation, handholding and capacity building to enable gram panchayats and residents alike to adopt healthy and safe SWM practices.
Velas, being a small and remote village, finds itself precariously perched on the edge of globalization and consumerism. The youth are seeking alternative means of livelihood and tourism is slated to provide new careers. Yet, the upsurge of a floating population, push-‐marketing campaigns for disposable and packaged consumer products, with an unprepared governing authority may result in a detrimental impact on the health of the villages and the biodiversity of the region, thus affecting tourism in the long term as well.
Also, while the beach provides the nesting sites that Velas is becoming popular for, it also receives garbage dumped into the ocean by other villages and populations. Therefore, Velas beach will continue to require repetitive and frequent cleanup drives until all the villages along the coast develop an SWM system that prevents their waste from entering the ocean. This was seen on the day after Ganesh Visarjan. Mohan and his team of volunteers put in place a strong nirmalya collection system that
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ensured that no flowers (real or plastic) or decoration items entered the ocean from Velas. However, the next day, the beach was still littered with these items, brought in from other places along the coast. We therefore recommend that SWM at Velas be taken up on a war-‐footing, not just for the village, but also as a model for other villages and as pilot even for the Mangrove Cell team to recommend in other places.
Lastly, we would like to thank all the stakeholders, and especially the Mangrove Cell for making it possible for us to experience the unique village of Velas. We are humbled by the beauty, inspiration, and energy that we encountered there.
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Annexure:
Samples of Design Elements: Daulatabad Fort SWM, Aurangabad
Developing a Brand Identity, Colour Palette, and Font
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Developing Identity-‐based Collaterals/ Merchandize
Badges:
Signage:
Bin Wraps
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