Hyderabad: With only one designated dumping site in Jawahar Nagar, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) faces significant challenges in managing the escalating volume of waste, which is approaching 1 kg per capita.
Currently, an individual generates approximately 733 grams of waste per day, an increase of nearly 200 grams in six years from 0.5 kg in 2019. Greater Hyderabad and its surrounding districts generate an average of 8,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) per day, which is expected to rise to 9,000 tonnes per day within a year.
The significant increase since 2015 reflects the city’s burgeoning economic activities and evolving lifestyle patterns. Daily waste includes packaging materials, bottles, cans, food waste, vegetable waste and miscellaneous waste from residential areas, schools and colleges, as well as commercial establishments such as restaurants and small businesses.
7,500 tonnes of waste generate daily
According to GHMC officials, the generation of municipal solid waste has increased significantly over the past decade, rising from 3,500 metric tonnes per day in 2014 to 7,500 tonnes currently. Per capita waste generation has increased significantly from 350 grams to 730 grams daily.
“Enhanced public awareness of waste segregation is essential to ensure that materials such as paper, cardboard and plastic are directed to recycling facilities, thereby supporting a circular economy model. The upcoming waste management facilities at Pyaranagar in Sangareddy and the proposed sites at Dundigal or Pashamylaram will help distribute the waste management load currently concentrated at the Jawahar Nagar landfill,” said a senior civic body official.
Environmentalists urged the GHMC to implement comprehensive waste management strategies such as increased segregation at source, improved collection systems and modern treatment facilities. Public awareness campaigns on proper disposal methods are crucial, while the focus should be on sustainable practices by reducing waste generation, reusing materials and recycling materials, they added.
GHMC to set up smart bins across city
In an effort to maintain cleanliness and combat irregular waste disposal, GHMC decided to install smart bins at strategic locations such as markets and busy places across the city. These advanced bins are equipped with sensors that alert when they reach capacity and simultaneously notify the control room. Upon receiving this signal, an automated collection vehicle arrives at the location and empties the bin through a mechanised process.
