Sustainable Management of Municipal Solid Waste in Karkala

In the face of rapid urbanization, the management of municipal solid waste (MSW) presents a significant challenge for cities worldwide. This case study focuses on Karkala, a town in the Tulu Nadu region of Karnataka, India, to assess its waste management strategies and challenges. It explores the current trends in waste generation at the household level and the involvement of formal and informal sectors in the waste management process.

The study shows how the integrated approach to waste management works. This approach should not only involve technological advancements and policy interventions but also community participation and awareness. Engaging the local community and stakeholders in waste management processes has significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of waste management in Karkala. The study reaffirms that adopting these comprehensive strategies can lead to a more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly waste management system, serving as a model for similar urban areas facing waste management challenges

Situation Before the Initiative:

 In Karkala, the challenge of waste management was increasingly felt by communities, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Women’s participation in environmental decision-making is minimal, and they are frequently excluded from sharing in the benefits of environmental management. This exclusion significantly hampers their ability to effectively respond to climate change, as they lack access to decision-making platforms, technology, and training that could bolster their adaptive capacities.

 The ramifications of the prevailing waste disposal systems are substantial, affecting not only human health but also the environment and the socioeconomic well-being of the people residing in the communities of Karkala. Factors such as rapid industrialization, unsustainable economic practices, and the overuse of natural resources with further deteriorate the environment.

 A vital element that was missing in the previous waste management strategies is a gender-sensitive approach tailored to the regional context of places like Karkala. Recognizing and integrating women's needs and perspectives into climate change responses was crucial. This approach would not only empower women in these communities but also ensure more effective and inclusive waste management solutions, benefiting the entire ecosystem and population of Karkala.

 - Initially, there was a lack of awareness about waste segregation. People indiscriminately disposed of waste, creating public inconvenience along roadsides.

- Segregation at the source was non-existent.

- Door-to-door waste collection efficiency was negligible

- Street sweeping coverage was at 98%.

Objectives:

 Key objectives include pollution reduction, sustainable resource utilization, robust waste infrastructure, and heightened public consciousness. Championing a circular economy, this emphasizes minimizing waste via reduction, reuse, and forward linking to recycling.

 1. Climate Action: Effective waste processes decrease greenhouse gas emissions, like methane from organic waste. This aligns with India's pledge to curtail emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% from 2005 levels by 2030.

2. Biodiversity: Managing coastal waste bolsters marine biodiversity, resonating with UN's SDG 14 and India's goal to augment carbon sinks through forest expansion.

3. Circular Economy: Prioritizing recycling mirrors global resource conservation endeavors and India's sustainable consumption aspirations under NAPCC.

4. Health and Resilience: Clean communities amplify climate resilience and public health, paralleling India's adaptation aims.

5. Waste Diversion: Aiming to divert plastic from landfills and water bodies safeguards marine habitats and communities.

6. Empowering Women: 15 disadvantaged women have gained stable incomes, addressing poverty and boosting opportunities.

7. Economic Efficiency: Improved waste management yields monthly income for the women between INR 12000-15000.

8. To develop and sustain a proactive planning and implementation process for addressing present and future solid waste management needs.

9. To consistently maintain the city's cleanliness and clarity.- To enhance the city's economic status through initiatives like biogas production, vermi composting, and marketing of dry waste, ultimately contributing to the city's improvement

Implementation Process:

The Chief Officer, along with their team, embarked on a comprehensive campaign across Karkala city, targeting every household, commercial building, and residential flat. The mission was to educate the public about Solid Waste Management (SWM), disseminating information through notices. The directive was clear: segregate dry and wet waste for municipal collection. Engagements extended to hotels and commercial complexes, with various activities like 'Jathas', street plays, wall paintings, and workshops for college students. A strict penalty of 500 to 5000 rupees, as per municipal act sections 224, 265, 276, was imposed for improper waste disposal. The Pourakarmikas received specialized training. This intensive three-month campaign achieved 100% waste collection and 95% segregation efficiency.

 Activities for Initiative Implementation:

1. Conducting IEC activities, including street plays on SWM and awareness programs.

2. Organizing frequent awareness 'Jathas' in collaboration with schools, colleges, and NGOs.

3. Door-to-door educational campaigns by the Chief Officer and team for waste segregation.

4. Strategic placement of display banners across the city.

5. Distribution of approximately 3000 green and yellow buckets to the public, symbolizing dry and wet waste respectively.

SWACHHATA SOLDIERS

Conducted Jatha and other program in Karkala TMC limits to educate Public about SUP

Wall Painting in Public Area

Door to door waste collection

Wet Waste Vermicomposting

Conducted awareness drive in Schools regarding segregation and SUP

Design and Construction of Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP)

Based  on  topography  of  the  town,  Karkala  town  is  divided  into  17  Zone’s ( Drainage Districts ) The Existing network covers around 40% of the town & to cover balance 60% of scattered population 60km of sewer lines, 1800 Machine holes, 17 Wetwells and 2 STP’s need to constructed. As this Proposal is technically not feacible and also its very difficult to maintain the 17 Wetwells and 3 STP’s and its very uneconomical.

In non site Sanitation system, the Feacal sludge and Black Water is accumulated in Septic tank and Soak pit, Situated within the premises. Periodically, Specialized Collection vehicles will be used for de-sludging the septic tanks and transporting the same treatment at standalone FSTP. Providing FSSM facility to Karkala town is  constructed  and  it  is  implemented  by  DMA  department.  Under  the  scheme around 6KLD capacity near Solid Waste Disposal Site in Karkala Town.

Public Awareness Banners

Dry waste management

The Karkala case presents a unique intersection of environmental conservation and socio-economic upliftment. Here's a comprehensive look into the multifaceted initiative:

1. Environmental Conservation through Community Action: Karkala introduced a novel initiative where waste management is done in partnership with an NGO who trains local women from the community where high value plastics are recovered along with wet waste and other dry waste. This provides predictable monthly income to the women.

2. Effective Waste Management:Once these waste items are docked, a meticulous process of segregation ensues. They are sorted and channeled to authorized end-points, ensuring minimal environmental footprints and boosting sustainable waste management.

3. Economic Advancement:This approach supplements the incomes of these women’s families. Selling the fetched plastics becomes a valuable secondary income stream, elevating their financial stability.

4. Community Mobilization: Central to Karkala’s strategy is community engagement. By involving women directly in the conservation process, it not only educates but instills a sense of collective responsibility. The community, thus, becomes both stakeholders and beneficiaries Specific activities:

- Waste Segregation: Emphasizes separation at the source, enhancing the efficiency of subsequent waste management processes.

- Composting: Advocates for turning organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, thereby reducing methane emissions from landfills.

- Recycling: Partners with local vendors to streamline recycling, conserving resources and energy.

- Waste-to-Energy:working on alternative energy solutions, such as biogas plants, reducing fossil fuel dependence.

- Education & Awareness: With a blend of workshops, arts, and local culture, it fosters informed communities.

The Karkala Project  encapsulates a holistic vision: a cleaner environment, economically resilient communities, and a conscious, involved populace.