Solid waste management initiatives in small towns : lessons and implications

In recent years, select examples have emerged of initiatives developed and launched by small urban local bodies in India that have transformed service levels and helped improve compliance with the Municipal Solid Waste Rules.

A series of case studies has been compiled for three small towns, Kanchrapara in West Bengal, Panaji in Goa, and Suryapet in Andhra Pradesh, focusing on decoding the institutional dynamics at work. The towns were of similar size, with populations of approximately 100,000, but with different economic profiles and political orientations. The programs were similar in scope, but achieved the end outcomes using substantially different strategies. While being comparable, these case studies represent a diverse set of small town experiences. The focus of the programs was on primary collection and transportation, that is, increased frequency of collection, elimination of fixed community bins, and streamlining of transportation systems. There has been an attempt at instituting segregation, composting, and recycling; a fundamental shift in approach from basic cleaning services to integrated sustainable waste management. Despite this, the disposal end has remained unaddressed, with open dumping being the norm.

The program resulted in a significant improvement in civic environment, although final health outcomes have not been met due to absence of systems for safe and sanitary disposal. A significant improvement of income generation and reduced incidence of health hazards associated with ragpicking were achieved, especially in Suryapet and Panaji. It resulted in an increased compliance with Municipal Solid Waste Rules 2000 and improved citizen confidence in city administration.