The burgeoning challenge of urban waste management, the government in Uttar Pradesh has unveiled an ambitious plan to double the state’s waste management capacity. This initiative aligns with the chief minister’s vision of converting waste into valuable resources, epitomised by the ‘waste-to-wonder’ initiative. The programme aims to recycle waste materials into infrastructure such as roads and parks, thereby reducing the environmental footprint and enhancing urban living standards.
During the ongoing monsoon assembly session, the urban development minister elaborated on the comprehensive action plan designed for the state’s urban local bodies. According to the minister, Uttar Pradesh is outperforming other states in waste management and air quality regulation within its major urban centres. The state currently generates approximately 20,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, out of which only 15,000 tonnes are processed. The new initiative aims to augment the processing capacity by an additional 12,000 tonnes per day, setting a robust path towards achieving the state’s goal of 100% waste management.
Uttar Pradesh boasts 933 material recovery facilities (MRFs), with 711 currently operational. One of the state’s most notable waste management projects is the five-acre ‘UP Darshan Park’ in Lucknow. Constructed from processed urban waste, the park is situated opposite Ambekar Udyan in Gomtinagar and serves as a testament to the state’s innovative approach. Similar projects have been completed in Agra, Gorakhpur, and Mirzapur, with plans to extend these initiatives to other cities.
Officials have outlined three primary avenues for recycling waste material. The first involves partnerships with private vendors to recycle waste into reusable plastic products. The second focuses on utilising recycled waste for constructing roads, exemplified by the road stretches near the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court and the police headquarters. The third avenue involves establishing ‘waste-to-wonder’ parks featuring replicas of iconic monuments and other attractions. This comprehensive plan underscores the state’s commitment to sustainable urban development and environmental conservation. By transforming waste into resources, Uttar Pradesh aims to set a precedent for other states in India, showcasing how effective waste management can contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
