The Impact of Kaineetam and Advance Incentives on Waste Management in Eloor, Ernakulam

India has made significant strides in promoting sustainable waste management practices as part of the broader goal to combat environmental issues and achieve a cleaner, greener society. The state of Eloor, Ernakulam has been implementing several initiatives to boost waste management efforts, including the Kaineetam and advance incentives to Haritha Karma Sena volunteers. These programs have potential impacts, yet there are several challenges and concerns that need to be addressed.

Current Scenario and Household Challenges

One of the most pressing issues faced by Eloor Ernakulam, particularly in the realm of waste management, is the minimal amount of plastic waste generated on a daily basis. As a result, many households, including mine, have been able to completely avoid producing plastic waste. However, when fees mandated for waste management are imposed, it adds a financial burden on households who have already minimized their waste production. This situation often forces these households to accumulate plastic waste just to comply with the mandatory collection requirements, negating the self-imposed reduction efforts.

Selection of Waste Collected

The Haritha Karma Sena initiative, though well-intentioned, faces challenges in terms of the type of waste collected. In many areas, items such as sanitary napkins, glass, and rubber items— which pose significant disposal challenges—are not collected, despite these being household hazards. On the other hand, biodegradable waste like food waste is heavily relied upon for the waste collection fee, even though it can easily be composted. This discrepancy highlights a mismatch between what is marketed as essential for waste collection and what is actually necessary for sustainable waste management.

Population and Collection Challenges

A key challenge in the waste collection process is the call for waste from households where no one resides or where people occasionally stay. In such areas, the financial burden of paying for waste management services without any waste to be disposed can be overwhelming. This situation poses a significant logistical challenge for the waste management authorities, who may struggle to justify the cost without substantial waste generation. Additionally, the variability in household waste production based on the presence of people further complicates the effectiveness of these initiatives.

Perception and Utilization of Waste

The perception of waste differs widely, even within the same community. In an apartment complex, food leftovers may be considered a type of waste that requires disposal. However, in rural areas, the same leftovers might be viewed as a valuable resource. This disparity in perception can lead to different strategies for dealing with waste that may not align with broader environmental goals. For instance, the concept of manure from food waste in rural areas may encourage more households to compost their organic waste rather than relying on traditional waste collection methods.

Disposal of Non-Plastic Waste

A specific issue under scrutiny is the handling of sanitary napkins. While this waste is generated only in households with menstruating women, a home without such individuals will still be required to pay the waste management fee. This discrepancy highlights the need for more nuanced and user-centric waste management policies. A more comprehensive approach is required to address these specific waste items and ensure that the initiative truly serves all residents, not just those who generate the targeted waste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while initiatives like the Kaineetam and Haritha Karma Sena incentives play a crucial role in promoting waste management efforts in Eloor Ernakulam, they come with their own set of challenges. From the minimal collection of certain types of waste to the financial burden on households with insignificant waste production, there is a need for continuous evaluation and improvement of these programs. By addressing these issues, the state can move closer to achieving its vision of a sustainable and clean environment for all.