GHMC’s waste management system wins accolades

NITI Aayog identifies its streamlining process as one of the top novel initiatives across India

Hyderabad: Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is winning accolades from NITI Aayog for setting up monitoring systems to track data pertaining to waste management which could provide efficient solutions to urban local bodies (ULBs) for viable waste collection methods and recovery solutions.

The NITI Aayog has identified the GHMC’s streamlined processes through digitisation and strong documentation, as one of the top novel initiatives adopted by various urban local bodies (ULBs) across India as part of Sustainable Urban Plastic Waste Management.

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Digitisation & documentation

Hyderabad generates 9,965 tonnes of waste per day from different sources. Of this, around 15 percent i.e. 1,495 tonnes is plastic waste. The GHMC authorities struggled to keep track of waste management with a robust documentation process. But in 2018, they have decided to make use of technology and digitisation which could play a vital role in better waste management and entered into an agreement with the Ramky Foundation to document all waste transactions. The Foundation believes that traceability and data management play a key role in the circular economy.

For transparency and traceability, new monitoring systems were introduced to track data along the waste value chain. These monitoring systems included record-keeping, data management and other improved documentation practices. Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) were implemented to streamline the data at every stage. This enabled the tracking of waste inflow at every stage, including at the Material Recovery Facilities(MRF). It also helped identify the source of waste and the waste pickers concerned.

The monitoring system at the MRF follows a three-step reporting process to ensure the integrity of the entire system which includes data register or field monitoring registers, datasheets, and reporting formats. Accordingly, data is registered to record inward waste procured from various sources every day and outward waste pertaining to processing and recycling among others. Separate registers are also maintained for asset and waste pickers. The digitisation of waste can help provide refined and accurate data for EPR compliance. The data can also be tailored for center-wise waste collection, irrespective of volumes being handled.

100% compliance

Due to the impact of this model, a cent per cent compliance was observed due to a strong understanding of processes and a committed team. Similarly, the availability of statistics of inward and outward waste material as well as resin code-based classification of volumes of material. This data will be useful for effective planning of waste management and effective implementation of programmatic activities. Further, digitisation of registered data helps the authorities for analytics and smart data management, empowering the MRF operations. A proper record and documentation of wages paid to waste pickers and other related details are also being documented.

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