Don't turn the capital into a city of garbage

One of the biggest challenges faced by cities around the world is waste management. In Thiruvananthapuram, the growing piles of garbage, the increase in mosquito breeding, and the rising number of dengue and other infectious diseases have become major topics of discussion in recent days. Corporation officials say that waste is being collected regularly from households. However, there is very little discussion about what happens after the waste is collected. Instead of simply dumping organic and non-organic waste in one place, the city needs an effective and scientific system to process it. A waste-free city does not mean a city that produces no waste. It means a city that scientifically processes its waste and converts it into useful products such as biofuel, organic manure, and energy, turning waste into a valuable resource.

Unfortunately, the city's administrators have yet to seriously consider such an approach. Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is widely regarded as one of the world's leading cities in waste management. Japan and South Korea are two countries that have successfully implemented scientific waste management systems. In South Korea, around 55 percent of the country's waste is treated in incinerators. The process also produces biogas, organic fertilisers, and other useful products. In Japan, nearly 78 percent of waste is burned in high-temperature incinerators operating at temperatures above 800 degrees Celsius. The heat generated is used to produce electricity and supply hot water to urban areas.

Tokyo alone has 19 large waste incineration plants. Those who claim they want to follow the Japanese model of waste management should first study how the system actually works. One of the main arguments against setting up a waste treatment plant in Thiruvananthapuram is public opposition. However, if modern incinerators built to international standards are installed, there is little reason for public resistance. Such facilities do not create large garbage dumps, allow waste to rot in the rain, or spread foul odours. According to estimates, Thiruvananthapuram generates between 350 and 400 tonnes of waste every day. Nearly 45 percent of this comes from households.

Around 80 percent of the city's waste is biodegradable and can be composted. Unlike dry solid waste, food waste and other organic waste begin to decompose quickly when left untreated. This creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes and increases the risk of disease.

The city can make better use of its waste by setting up modern composting facilities to produce organic manure. Another option is to establish large, modern incinerators capable of processing all the waste generated each day. The earlier "Green City, Clean City" initiative of the Corporation is no longer active. What Thiruvananthapuram needs now is a dedicated waste management department led by an efficient IAS officer and supported by proven international models of waste management.