Mumbai: BMC Focuses on Citizen Participation: Wet-Dry Waste Sorting Initiative Unveiled

Mumbai, 9th February 2024: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to launch an initiative aimed at increasing citizen participation in wet-dry waste sorting at the place of waste generation within the Mumbai metropolis. The primary focus of this initiative is to promote information, education, and communication, as well as public awareness regarding waste classification, particularly within residential areas.

BMC Commissioner and Administrator Iqbal Singh Chahal, along with Additional Commissioner (Western Suburbs) Dr. Sudhakar Shinde, have emphasized the need for sorting waste at its source. The challenge of sorting 1000 tonnes of waste collected from residential institutions in Mumbai underscores the importance of public involvement in waste classification at the origin, as stated by Additional Commissioner Dr Shinde. As part of this endeavour, organizations will be engaged to spearhead information, education, and communication campaigns, as well as public awareness efforts.

Efforts to change citizens’ mindsets regarding waste classification require direct communication and interaction to promote the separation of wet and dry waste during daily waste collection. Given that waste originates from households and residential complexes in Mumbai, the objective is to instigate this change through comprehensive information, communication, and education campaigns, coupled with active public participation, according to Deputy Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) (Additional Charge) Sanjog Kabare.

Aligned with the Central Government’s Swachh Bharat Nagri Abhiyan 2.0, the emphasis is on segregating waste at its source, with local self-government bodies expected to devise information, education, and communication plans to facilitate this endeavour.

In furtherance of waste management efforts, BMC has signed an agreement with Mahanagar Gas Limited for a 1000-tonne capacity biogas generation project from wet waste. To streamline wet waste collection, a designated route has been planned, and special vehicles have been arranged. However, waste classification remains a significant obstacle, prompting a public awareness campaign at waste generation sites.

As part of the awareness campaign, murals featuring various messages and beautification efforts will be employed across flyovers and public spaces in Mumbai. These murals, incorporating pictures and graffiti, will convey the importance of cleanliness, waste segregation, and effective waste management to the citizens of Mumbai.