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a huge amount of e-waste including precious metals dumped in India without any
treatment but most these can be reused by recycling which can generate revenue and
contribute to the national economy.
5.6 Legal Framework for Waste Management System
in India
The management of solid wastes is one of the basic responsibilities provided by
Urban Local Bodies to keep urban environment hygienic in India. A number of laws
and rules have been enacted and implemented to preserve the quality of environment and for proper management of solid waste generated in India such as The
Waste Act (Prevention and Control of Pollution)-1974, The Water (Prevention and
Control of Pollution) Cess Act-1977, Hazardous Wastes (Management and
Handling) Rules-1989, The Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling)
Rules-1998, Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules-2000, The
Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules-2001, Plastic Waste Rules- 2011,
E-waste Rules-2011. In 2016, the, Govt. of India revised Solid Waste (Management
and Handling) Rules after 16 years replacing the Municipal Solid Wastes
(Management and Handling) Rules 2000. Beyond municipal area, the present rules
are now applicable in urban agglomerations, census towns, notified industrial townships, areas under the control of Indian Railways, airports, airbase, port and harbour, defence establishments, special economic zones, State and Central government
organizations, places of pilgrims, religious and historical importance also and,
hence, the word ‘municipal’ has been removed (SWM Rules 2016).
5.7 Conclusion and Recommendations
It is clear from the above discussion that management of municipal solid waste has
become a serious issue due to enhanced economic activities and rapid urbanization.
But still, it is one of the most neglected areas in the country although waste management activities generate potential environmental benefits if managed effectively.
Collection, segregation, transportation and disposal of solid waste are often unscientific, without adequate plans of treatment and disposal. Unscientific dumping of
wastes on the outskirts of towns and cities have created overflowing of landfills,
which have environmental impacts in the form of pollution to soil, groundwater and
air, and also contribute to global warming. The issue of scarcity of land for waste
disposal in and around urban areas led to overflowing dumpsites and waste treatment facilities receiving more waste than what they were designed for. Further, the
situation has been worsening due to poor technical skill, lack of political willpower
and civic awareness. The difficulties in providing the desired level of public services
M. Ray et al.
a huge amount of e-waste including precious metals dumped in India without any
treatment but most these can be reused by recycling which can generate revenue and
contribute to the national economy.
5.6 Legal Framework for Waste Management System
in India
The management of solid wastes is one of the basic responsibilities provided by
Urban Local Bodies to keep urban environment hygienic in India. A number of laws
and rules have been enacted and implemented to preserve the quality of environment and for proper management of solid waste generated in India such as The
Waste Act (Prevention and Control of Pollution)-1974, The Water (Prevention and
Control of Pollution) Cess Act-1977, Hazardous Wastes (Management and
Handling) Rules-1989, The Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling)
Rules-1998, Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules-2000, The
Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules-2001, Plastic Waste Rules- 2011,
E-waste Rules-2011. In 2016, the, Govt. of India revised Solid Waste (Management
and Handling) Rules after 16 years replacing the Municipal Solid Wastes
(Management and Handling) Rules 2000. Beyond municipal area, the present rules
are now applicable in urban agglomerations, census towns, notified industrial townships, areas under the control of Indian Railways, airports, airbase, port and harbour, defence establishments, special economic zones, State and Central government
organizations, places of pilgrims, religious and historical importance also and,
hence, the word ‘municipal’ has been removed (SWM Rules 2016).
5.7 Conclusion and Recommendations
It is clear from the above discussion that management of municipal solid waste has
become a serious issue due to enhanced economic activities and rapid urbanization.
But still, it is one of the most neglected areas in the country although waste management activities generate potential environmental benefits if managed effectively.
Collection, segregation, transportation and disposal of solid waste are often unscientific, without adequate plans of treatment and disposal. Unscientific dumping of
wastes on the outskirts of towns and cities have created overflowing of landfills,
which have environmental impacts in the form of pollution to soil, groundwater and
air, and also contribute to global warming. The issue of scarcity of land for waste
disposal in and around urban areas led to overflowing dumpsites and waste treatment facilities receiving more waste than what they were designed for. Further, the
situation has been worsening due to poor technical skill, lack of political willpower
and civic awareness. The difficulties in providing the desired level of public services
M. Ray et al.