Delhi has a massive municipal solid waste management problem with the massive landfills at Ghazipur, Okhla and Bhalswa at the centre of the issue. Delhi generates 11,332 tonnes of solid waste every day according to the latest estimate by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), even as the civic body said that 4,360 tonnes of this garbage ends up at the city's three landfill sites.

(Source: 22nd February 2023, Hindustan Times)

(a) What is the cause for the issue mentioned above?

(b) Mention the three different methods of treating waste of the given type?

(c) How can an individual reduce waste generation?

(d) How can Delhi manage its waste following the example of Indore?

(a) The cause for the massive municipal solid waste management problem in Delhi is excessive generation of solid waste combined with inadequate waste processing and disposal systems.

(b) Three different methods of treating municipal solid waste like the type generated in Delhi are:

1. Composting: Organic waste such as food scraps and garden waste can be biologically decomposed to form compost, which can be used as a natural fertilizer.
2. Incineration: This involves burning waste at high temperatures to reduce its volume and sometimes generate electricity. However, it must be done in a controlled environment to avoid air pollution.
3. Recycling and Resource Recovery: Waste materials like plastic, paper, glass, and metals can be sorted and processed to be reused in manufacturing new products, reducing the need for raw materials and saving energy.

(c) An individual can reduce waste generation in the following ways:

1. Use reusable items like cloth bags, metal bottles, and containers instead of single-use plastics.
2. Avoid the use-and-throw habit by repairing and reusing items instead of discarding them quickly.
3. Segregate waste at home into dry, wet, and hazardous categories to help in proper recycling and disposal.
4. Compost kitchen waste like fruit peels and vegetable scraps at home.
5. Buy only what is needed to avoid wastage of food and other goods.

(d) Delhi can manage its waste more effectively by learning from Indore, which has been ranked as India’s cleanest city for several years. Here’s how Delhi can follow Indore’s example:

1. Door-to-door waste collection: Like Indore, Delhi can ensure that waste is collected daily from each household and shop to prevent roadside dumping.
2. Waste segregation at source: Indore citizens separate dry and wet waste before disposal. Delhi can promote awareness and strict rules to do the same.
3. Use of composting and recycling plants: Indore processes almost all of its waste. Delhi can increase its number of compost and recycling centers to reduce landfill use.
4. Strict monitoring and fines: Indore uses CCTV and teams to check for violations. Delhi can adopt similar systems to encourage discipline.
5. Public participation: Indore succeeded due to citizen involvement. Delhi can launch awareness drives and school programs to promote cleanliness as everyone’s responsibility.