Central Idea

• Dumpsite remediation in India holds immense significance due to its profound impact on the environment, public health, and overall quality of life.
• These unregulated dumpsites release harmful gases, pollute air and water, and pose severe health risks to nearby communities.

Dumpsite Remediation: Government Initiatives and Progress

• Govt Commitment: The Indian government aims to remediate all dumpsites in the country by 2025 under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 2.0.
• Progress Overview: Over 82.7 million tonnes of waste have been remediated, reclaiming 3,477 acres of land.
• State Progress: Mizoram has fully remediated its waste, while states like Chandigarh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat have addressed 50-60% of their legacy waste.

Challenges and Complexities

• Topographical Challenges: States with mountainous terrains like Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Ladakh, and Jammu & Kashmir face difficulties in waste transport and utilization.
• Economic Viability: Some states struggle to find economically viable disposal options for combustible fractions and fine soil-like material.
• Waste Composition: Around 8% of legacy waste comprises combustible fractions.
• Limited Co-Processing Units: India has 54 co-processing units, with only 13 states having operational units.

Benefits of Recovered Material

• Construction and Filling Solutions: Repurposed fine soil-like material can be used in road construction and to stabilize flood-prone areas.
• Improving Engineering Properties: Fine soil enhances roadbed engineering.
• Elevation and Stabilization: Fine fraction elevates and stabilizes low-lying areas.

Another aspect: GHGs Emissions from Waste

Methane Emission Sources

• Wastewater’s High Contribution: Wastewater treatment is a major source of methane emissions.
• Organic Matter Decomposition: Methane is produced during organic matter decomposition in wastewater and solid waste disposal.
• Solid Waste Disposal: Methane is generated in landfills, open dumps, and waste disposal sites.

Overall Methane Emissions in India

• India’s Methane Emissions: In 2016, India emitted 409 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent methane.
• Sector-Wise Breakdown: Agriculture contributed 73.96%, waste 14.46%, energy 10.62%, and industrial processes 0.96%.
• Key Contributors: Open dumpsites and landfills are significant sources.

Lost Opportunities and Climate Impact

• Persistent Methane Emissions: Even capped landfills emit methane due to biochemical reactions.
• Untapped Energy Resource: Methane emissions represent missed energy opportunities.
• Biogas Potential: 1 TPD of biodegradable waste can produce 80-100 cubic meters of biogas.
• Environmental Harm: Disposing of biodegradable waste in landfills releases methane, a climate pollutant.

Harnessing Methane for a Sustainable Future

• Bio-Methanation: Implementing bio-methanation processes can capture methane for various applications.
• Beneficial Applications: Captured methane can be converted into bio-CNG, electricity, or other fuels.
• Material Suitability: Recovered material must meet engineering and environmental standards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with local regulations is essential.

Conclusion

• Navigating Waste Remediation: India faces challenges and opportunities in dumpsite remediation. Addressing topographical barriers, ensuring economic viability, and maximizing material utilization are critical.
• A Missed Opportunity: Dumpsites emit methane, a valuable energy resource. Proper waste management can mitigate climate impacts and unlock economic benefits.

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