PYQ Relevance:

Prelims:
Q1. Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of [UPSC CSE 2019]

a) Anti-malarial drug
b) Biodiesel
c) Pulp for the paper industry
d) Textile fiber

Q2. If the National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country? [UPSC CSE 2012]

1. Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through the recycling of wastewater.
2. The water requirement of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water will be met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for the use of ocean water.
3. All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India.
4. The expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore wells and for installing motors and pump sets to draw groundwater will be completely reimbursed by the Government.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Mains:
1. How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? ( UPSC CSE 2019)

2. ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How will India be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India are affected by climate change? (UPSC CSE 2017)

3. Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian subContinent. (UPSC CSE 2014)

Note4Students:

Mains: Biodiversity Conservation strategies;

Prelims: Plastic Pollution; Himalayan Ecosystem;

Mentor comments:Plastic pollution is widespread, reaching from mountaintops to ocean depths, even infiltrating human lungs and placenta. Microplastics, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items, are found in various environments like the Himalayan mountains, rivers, and lakes. Unscientific plastic disposal is causing soil and water pollution in the Indian Himalayan Region and impacting its biodiversity, which is having an adverse impact on the fresh water sources that communities downstream depend on. Empowering local bodies and creating the necessary infrastructure for waste management in the Indian Himalayan Region need immediate attention.

Let’s Learn.

Why in the News?

Recently, the NGT issued notices to the MoEFCC, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and Himalayan states on waste dumping in eco-sensitive areas by tourists and commercial establishments.

What do the Recent Reports reveal about Himalayan Plastic Pollution?

The Himalayan Clean up that was conducted by the Integrated Mountain Initiative with Zero Waste Himalayas and the National Productivity Council of India’s waste audit results (2023) showed that 92.7% of trash was plastic, with 72% of waste being non-recyclable plastic.
The Social Development for Communities Foundation highlighted towns drowning in plastic waste, prompting notices from the National Green Tribunal to address waste dumping in eco-sensitive areas.

About the recent Plastic Waste Crisis and the Changing Consumption Patterns:

Rapid Urbanization: Unplanned urbanization and altered production-consumption patterns contribute significantly to the plastic waste crisis in the Indian Himalayan Region. Local communities face challenges due to poor waste management practices, impacting their health and environment.
Tourism Impact: The surge in tourist numbers exacerbates the plastic waste issue, with over 400 million tourists visiting Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh since 2010. Plastic waste is found extensively in the region, affecting wildlife like Greater adjutant storks in Assam and causing pollution in rivers such as the Nambul in Manipur.

Legal Mandate for Waste Management in the Indian Himalayan Region:

Regulatory Framework:

Solid Waste Management Rules (SWM) 2016: Forms part of the regulatory framework for plastic waste management in India, emphasizing waste segregation at source.
Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules 2016 and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) 2022: Comprise the legal mandate for plastic waste management at the country level, with a focus on waste segregation and disposal.

State Initiatives:

Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim Laws: Both states have enacted special laws banning plastics, with Himachal Pradesh implementing a buy-back policy for non-recyclable plastics.
Mizoram and Tripura: Mizoram has made by-laws under PWM, while Tripura has enacted municipal by-laws and established a State-level task force to combat single-use plastics.

What are the Challenges being faced during Implementation?

Waste Segregation and Management Issues:
- Mandate for Segregation: SWM/PWM/EPR collectively mandate waste segregation at the source, including different types of plastics, for effective disposal.
- Reality Check: Despite the requirement on paper, landfills are overwhelmed with mixed waste, indicating a gap between policy and practice.
Implementation and Local Bodies:
- Lack of By-laws: Only few states and local bodies have enacted necessary by-laws to implement waste management mandates effectively.
- Power Devolution: Unclear collaboration mandates between local bodies and producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) hinder effective waste management.
Infrastructure Challenges:
- Deficient Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure impedes waste management efforts, leading to landfill overflow and environmental pollution.
- Hill Areas Neglect: While SWM recognizes hill areas’ special needs, these considerations are often overlooked in mandates for local bodies and PIBOs under PWM and EPR.

Way Forward:

Addressing Data gaps: Closing data gaps on waste generation, utilizing existing schemes like Swachh Bharat Mission and Finance Commission grants, and leveraging initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Kosh Trust and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) can bolster waste management efforts in the region.
Allocating Resources: Empowering local bodies, establishing necessary infrastructure, promoting waste segregation through public education, and considering the unique challenges of mountain waste management are essential steps.
Supporting Biodiversity: Ensuring geographical fairness in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets and valuing EPR certificates in the region can incentivize proper waste processing. Collaboration among various schemes like Smart Cities can further advance scientific waste management practices in the Indian Himalayan Region.