A recent report from the Social Development for Communities (SDC) Foundation in Dehradun has brought to light the dire situation of towns in Uttarakhand being overwhelmed by plastic waste. This issue is not unique to Uttarakhand; nearly all mountainous states in India are grappling with similar challenges.

1. Plastic Pollution Crisis in the Indian Himalayan Region

Plastic pollution has become pervasive across various environments, extending from the highest mountain peaks to the deepest ocean trenches. It is even found within the human lungs and placenta. Microplastics, resulting from the degradation of improperly disposed large plastic items, are prevalent in the Himalayan mountains, rivers, lakes, and streams. These microplastics, often trapped in glaciers for extended periods, are released into rivers during snow melting, impacting critical water sources like the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra river systems. Unscientific plastic disposal practices are leading to soil and water pollution, affecting biodiversity and freshwater sources downstream.

Causes of Plastic Waste Crisis

The plastic waste crisis in the Indian Himalayan Region is attributed to rapid and unplanned urbanization, along with changing production and consumption patterns. The surge in tourist arrivals has further exacerbated the problem. A recent report by the Social Development for Communities (SDC) Foundation in Dehradun sheds light on towns in Uttarakhand overwhelmed by plastic waste, echoing similar concerns across other mountainous states. Concerns have escalated to the extent that the National Green Tribunal has issued notices to various authorities regarding waste dumping in eco-sensitive areas by tourists and commercial establishments.

Examples of Plastic Pollution Impact

Instances of plastic pollution impact are evident in various regions. In Assam's Ramsar site of Deepor Beel, Greater adjutant storks have resorted to feeding on plastic waste instead of fish from the wetland. Reports from Manipur highlight growing pollution in rivers like the Nambul. Initiatives such as the Himalayan Clean-up (2018-21) conducted by the Integrated Mountain Initiative with Zero Waste Himalayas and the National Productivity Council of India's waste audit have revealed alarming statistics. The 2022 Himalayan Clean-up waste audit indicates that 92.7% of the waste comprised plastic, with 72% being non-recyclable plastic.

2. Plastic Waste Management

The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is a flagship program launched by the Government of India in 2015. Its focus is on developing basic urban infrastructure in 500 cities across the country. 

Objectives

• Ensure adequate water supply and a robust sewage network
• Improve urban mobility with a focus on non-motorized transport like cycling and walking
• Increase green spaces and parks for better amenity value in cities
• Implement urban reforms and capacity-building initiatives

Target Areas

• All cities and towns with a population exceeding one lakh (100,000) as per the 2011 census
• Capital cities of states and union territories not meeting the population criteria
• Heritage cities designated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Components

• Water Supply: Upgrading water treatment plants, distribution networks, and household connections
• Sewerage and Septage Management: Building new sewer lines, treatment plants, and septage management facilities
• Storm Water Drainage: Constructing drains to prevent waterlogging during monsoons
• Urban Transport: Developing infrastructure for public transport, cycling lanes, and pedestrian walkways
• Green Spaces and Parks: Creating and maintaining parks and recreational areas
• Urban Reforms: Measures like property tax reforms, e-governance, and improved service delivery
• Capacity Building: Training and skill development programs for urban local bodies

Significance of the Plastic Waste Crisis

• AMRUT's focus on improved sanitation infrastructure, including better waste collection and processing facilities, can indirectly contribute to tackling plastic waste.
• By promoting green spaces and parks, AMRUT can encourage responsible waste disposal habits and discourage littering.

Limitations

• AMRUT primarily focuses on infrastructure development. While this is crucial, it might not directly address issues like waste segregation at source or public awareness campaigns.
• The effectiveness of AMRUT relies heavily on proper implementation by local bodies, which can vary depending on their resources and capacity.

4. Legal Framework for Plastic Waste Management

India's regulatory framework for plastic waste management is primarily governed by the Solid Waste Management Rules (SWM) 2016, Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules 2016, and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) 2022. These rules provide the guidelines and mandates for managing plastic waste at the country level. However, while the SWM recognizes the special needs of hill areas, this aspect is not adequately factored in while creating mandates for both local bodies and producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs). Similarly, the PWM and EPR do not explicitly recognize the unique requirements of hilly regions.

State-Level Initiatives

States across the Indian Himalayan Region have been taking various initiatives to address the plastic waste menace. For instance, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim have special state laws banning the use of plastics. Himachal Pradesh has had a buy-back policy for non-recyclable and single-use plastic waste since 2019, but littering of plastic waste remains a widespread issue. Sikkim banned the use of packaged mineral water in January 2022 and has a robust regulatory system, but the state still grapples with plastic waste due to inadequate infrastructure. Mizoram has also been proactive, with the Aizawl Municipal Corporation enacting by-laws under the PWM in 2019. Tripura has made policy changes, enacted municipal by-laws, and established a state-level task force to eliminate single-use plastic, though the impact of these measures is not yet evident.

Segregation and Disposal Challenges

The collective mandate of SWM/PWM/EPR requires waste segregation at the source, including segregating different types of plastics. However, while segregation exists on paper, landfills are often found overflowing with mixed waste. The leachate from mixed waste causes soil and groundwater pollution, and fumes from such waste contribute to air pollution. A significant amount of recyclable plastic waste remains in landfills due to inadequate segregation and disposal practices.

Role of Local Bodies and PIBOs

Under the SWM, PWM, and EPR, the task of waste management from collection to scientific disposal falls under the purview of local bodies. These bodies can seek assistance from PIBOs for setting up and operationalizing plastic waste management systems, as mandated under the EPR. However, the devolution of power to local bodies is still a work in progress, with few states having enacted model by-laws, and few local bodies having made by-laws to operationalize the mandate. Moreover, there is a lack of clarity regarding the mandate to ensure collaboration between local bodies and PIBOs.

Inclusion of Traditional Institutions

In the Indian Himalayan Region, many states in the northeast have traditional institutions that play a significant role in local governance. It is essential to include these traditional institutions within the definition of local bodies to ensure effective waste management. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission and the Fifteenth Finance Commission, funds were allocated to these traditional institutions, highlighting their importance in the waste management ecosystem.

5. Addressing Data Gaps

One critical step in improving waste management in the Indian Himalayan Region is to address data gaps regarding the quantum and quality of waste being generated in the states. This involves collecting accurate and comprehensive data on the waste generated, its composition, and the sources of generation. This information is crucial for formulating effective waste management strategies and allocating resources appropriately.

Empowering Local Bodies and Infrastructure Development

Empowering local bodies and creating the necessary infrastructure for waste management are immediate priorities. Local bodies play a pivotal role in waste management, and they need to be equipped with the necessary resources and authority to carry out their responsibilities effectively. This includes providing them with the necessary infrastructure, such as waste collection and processing facilities, as well as the capacity-building to manage these facilities.

Public Participation and Education

Public participation and awareness are essential for successful waste management. Sustained public education campaigns can help promote waste segregation at the source and encourage people to participate actively in waste management initiatives. This can be achieved through various means, including community engagement, awareness programs, and educational initiatives.

Geographical Considerations in EPR

The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework needs to consider the specific geographical challenges of waste management in the mountainous region. The higher cost of operationalizing EPR in the mountain region should be taken into account, and the value of the EPR certificate earned by PIBOs in this region could be higher than those in other parts of the country.

Convergence of Schemes

Convergence of existing schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and the Finance Commission's grants can be used to create infrastructure, maintain operations, and run waste management programs. Additionally, the Swachh Bharat Kosh Trust, established to facilitate philanthropic contributions and corporate social responsibility funds, could be utilized to augment resources for waste management initiatives.

AMRUT and Smart Cities Scheme

The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and the Smart Cities Scheme can also contribute to waste management efforts in the Indian Himalayan Region. Cities selected under these schemes can work in convergence to promote scientific waste management practices and make cities in the region free of plastic.