Waste processing at the Ghazipur landfill is yet to pick up pace.

Topic: GS3 – waste management

Previous year Questions on Waste management:

1. What are the impediments in disposing of the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we safely remove the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (2018)

Context:

• The landfill in east Delhi reached its saturation point in 2002 and has been getting fresh waste despite a deadline to flatten the garbage mountain by March 2024.
• The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is blaming the contractor for the delayed progress.
• Given the current situation, it is still being determined if the deadline will be met.

Waste management in India:

• India generates approximately 62 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually.
• Of this, only 43 million tonnes (about 70%) are collected, and only 12 million tonnes (about 20%) are treated.
• The remaining 30% of the waste goes uncollected and ends up littering streets, drains, and water bodies.

Issues with waste management in India:

• Inadequate infrastructure: Many cities in India lack the infrastructure and resources needed to effectively manage waste. This includes a shortage of landfills, waste treatment facilities, and trained personnel.
• Limited waste segregation: In many parts of India, waste is not segregated at source, making it difficult to recycle or compost.
• Informal waste sector: A significant portion of waste management in India is handled by the informal sector, which includes waste pickers and small-scale recyclers.
• Limited public awareness: There is often limited public awareness and participation in waste management in India.
• Enforcement issues: Enforcement of waste management regulations in India is often weak, leading to illegal dumping and littering.
• Inadequate funding: Waste management in India often lacks adequate funding, leading to a shortage of resources for infrastructure, equipment, and personnel.
• Lack of political will: There is often a lack of political will to address waste management issues in India, with competing priorities and limited resources leading to a lack of action on this front.

Way forward:

• Segregation of waste at source: Encouraging households and businesses to segregate waste at source into different categories, such as biodegradable, recyclable, and hazardous waste, can make it easier to recycle and compost and reduce the amount of waste going to landfills.
• Investment in infrastructure: Increasing investment in waste management infrastructure, including landfills, waste-to-energy plants, and recycling facilities, can help to increase the capacity for waste treatment and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
• Formalisation of the informal sector: Integrating the informal sector into formal waste management systems can help to provide better working conditions, equipment, and safety measures for waste pickers and small-scale recyclers, as well as improve the quality of waste management.
• Public awareness campaigns: Conducting public awareness campaigns on the importance of waste management, including waste segregation, recycling, and composting, can help to increase public participation and reduce littering and illegal dumping.
• Enforcement of regulations: Strengthening enforcement of waste management regulations can help to deter illegal dumping and littering and hold those responsible for waste management accountable.
• Use of technology: Adopting new technologies such as waste-to-energy plants and waste processing technologies can help to improve waste management and reduce the impact of waste on the environment.
• Extended producer responsibility: Holding producers responsible for the waste generated by their products can help to incentivise them to reduce waste generation, improve product design, and invest in recycling and disposal infrastructure.

Conclusion:

• Effective waste management is a pressing issue in India that can be addressed through various interventions.
• It requires collaboration among all stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions that can improve the environment and public health in the country.
  

  ---

L-G is seeking a report on CM’s home renovation as unconstitutional.

Topic: GS2 –Indian polity and governance.

Previous year Questions on Waste management:

1. Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and the elected government of Delhi? Examine. (2019, 250 Words)

Context:

• Delhi government claims the report demanded by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi regarding the home renovation of CM is unconstitutional.

Powers of LG of Delhi as per Indian constitution:

• Appointing the Chief Minister of Delhi and other ministers.
• Reserving certain bills passed by the Delhi Legislative Assembly for the consideration of the President of India.
• Dissolving the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
• Exercising executive power in matters that fall outside the purview of the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
• Acting as the Administrator of the Union Territory of Delhi, which includes the power to appoint officials and issue ordinances.
  

  ---

Delhi Muslims lagging behind in education, healthcare: report

Topic: GS1 – Indian society.

Context:

• Muslims in Delhi are facing socio-economic disparities compared to their peers, with higher rates of unemployment and maternal mortality and limited political representation.
• Despite improvements in schools by the current Delhi government, Muslim-majority areas have not benefitted equally, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to address the challenges faced by this community.

Socio-economic status of the Muslim community in India;

• As per the 2011 Census, the literacy rate among Muslims in India was 68.5%, which is lower than the national average of 74.04%.
• The Sachar Committee Report (2006) highlighted that Muslims have lower representation in government jobs, public sector enterprises, and higher education institutions.
• The National Sample Survey Organisation’s (NSSO) survey in 2011-12 showed that the average monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) among Muslim households in rural and urban areas was lower than the national average.
• The National Family Health Survey-4 (2015-16) showed that maternal mortality among Muslim women was higher than the national average.

Reasons for the socioeconomic backwardness of the Muslim community:

• Limited access to education and employment: The lower levels of education and higher unemployment rates among Muslims in India can limit their access to quality jobs, leading to lower income and reduced economic mobility.
• Health disparities: Muslims in India also face disparities in healthcare access, which can contribute to higher rates of illness and lower life expectancy.
• Social exclusion: Discrimination and marginalisation of the Muslim community can lead to social exclusion, limiting their opportunities for social interaction and participation in public life.
• Lack of Political representation: Muslims are underrepresented in political institutions, which can affect their ability to influence policy decisions and access to resources.
• Inter-community tensions: The socio-economic disparities between Muslims and other communities can contribute to inter-community tensions and conflicts.

Way forward to improve the status of Muslims in India:

• Education and Employment Opportunities: Creating employment opportunities through targeted programs, skill development, and entrepreneurship can help reduce unemployment and increase income levels.
• Healthcare: Addressing healthcare disparities through targeted healthcare programs and increasing access to healthcare facilities.
• Political representation: Increasing the political representation and participation of Muslims can help address their concerns and issues.
• Addressing discrimination: Addressing discrimination and ensuring social inclusion can help create a more equitable society and promote unity.
• Empowerment through financial inclusion: Providing financial assistance to the Muslim community through government schemes and other financial inclusion initiatives can help empower them.
• Community development: Promoting community-led development initiatives and fostering inter-community harmony can help promote socio-economic development in Muslim-majority areas.
• Housing and infrastructure: Addressing issues of inadequate housing, sanitation, and other basic infrastructure in Muslim-majority areas can improve living conditions and overall quality of life.
• Financial literacy: Providing financial literacy programs and promoting financial planning can help increase financial literacy and independence among Muslims.
• Skill development: Focusing on skill development and vocational training programs can help increase employability and income levels among Muslims.
• Entrepreneurship promotion: Encouraging and promoting entrepreneurship among Muslims can create more job opportunities and promote economic development.
• Women’s empowerment: Focusing on women’s education and empowerment can help address the high maternal mortality rates and increase economic opportunities for women in the Muslim community.
• Social security: Providing social security programs such as health insurance and pension schemes can provide a safety net for Muslims and reduce economic insecurity.
  

  ---

The lives of 6,000 villagers are set to change for the better in Odisha. (For Case Study using mains answers).

Topic: GS2, GS1.

Previous year Questions on Waste management:

1. Why are the tribals in India referred to as “the Scheduled Tribes”? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. (2016)

Introduction

• Over 6000 people residing in 38 unsurveyed forest villages in Odisha’s Ganjam district were devoid of basic facilities like water supply, schools, and Anganwadi centres.
• They were not recognised as normal citizens and had to seek permission from the forest department for small developmental activities.
• However, these villages have now been recognised as revenue villages under the Forest Right Act, paving the way for developmental activities and government welfare benefits.
• The process of recognition was challenging and involved mapping and demarcating all common lands in the villages.
• The FRA 2006 provides a legal framework for converting all forest, unsurveyed villages, or habitation on forestland into revenue villages.

Key provisions of Forest rights act 2006:

• Recognition of individual and community forest rights: The Act provides for the recognition of individual and community rights over forestlands, including both private and common lands.
• The right to use, protect and manage forest resources: The Act also recognises the right of forest-dwelling communities to use, protect, and manage the forest resources for their livelihoods.
• The right to land titles: The Act provides for the grant of land titles to forest-dwelling communities, which will enable them to access government welfare schemes and other government
• The right to conservation: The Act also mandates that forest-dwelling communities must be involved in the conservation and protection of forests, which will help to preserve India’s biodiversity.
• Recognition of the role of Gram Sabhas: The Act recognises the role of the Gram Sabhas in the decision-making process for forest rights, including the identification of forest-dwelling communities and the management of forests.
• Protection from eviction: The Act provides protection against eviction of forest-dwelling communities without due process of law.

Issues with the FRA 2006:

• Lack of awareness and information about the Act among the forest-dwelling communities.
• Delay in the recognition and vesting of forest rights due to inadequate implementation by the government.
• Resistance and opposition from forest officials, forest departments, and non-tribal forest dwellers.
• Exclusion of certain forest-dwelling communities, such as pastoralists and nomadic tribes, from the purview of the Act.
• Conflicts between forest-dwelling communities and other stakeholders, such as mining companies, over the use and control of forest resources.
• Overlapping claims: Overlapping claims between forest-dwelling communities, conservation organisations, and other stakeholders have been a major challenge in the implementation of the Act.

Way forward:

• Strengthening the institutional framework: by providing adequate resources and support to the forest departments, gram sabhas, and other stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Act.
• Raising awareness: about their rights and entitlements under the Act and educating them about the processes and procedures involved in obtaining those rights.
• Addressing the challenges faced by forest officials: Forest officials often face challenges such as a lack of resources, infrastructure, and training to implement the Act effectively.
• Ensuring transparency and accountability: This can be done by establishing monitoring mechanisms and conducting regular reviews to ensure that the Act is being implemented effectively.
• Engaging with civil society: The government should engage with civil society organisations and NGOs to ensure that the implementation of the Act is participatory and inclusive.
• Addressing the issues of overlapping claims: There is a need to address these issues through a consultative and collaborative approach.

Conclusion:

Forest Rights Act 2006 can bring positive changes to forest-dwelling communities, but proper implementation is crucial. Issues faced by stakeholders need to be addressed. With proper planning, it can pave the way for a sustainable future for forest-dwelling communities in India.

---

A balance of work and play.

Topic: GS1- education and youth. GS4 – Ethics

Context:

            Introducing extracurricular activities in higher education institutions can be beneficial for students as it allows them to broaden their intellectual horizons and gain skills that go beyond their academic curriculum.

Importance of extracurricular activities for students:

• Extracurricular activities expand mental horizons
• Develop skills beyond the academic course
• Enhance social skills and teamwork
• Provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery
• Improve time management and organisational skills
• Can help in building a strong resume for future job opportunities
• Reduce stress and promote overall well-being.