Indian Journal of Waste Management

Kashmir, popularly known as paradise on earth is gifted with numerous water bodies comprising of rivers, lakes, streams and springs. We discuss in this paper various water bodies of district Srinagar of Kashmir valley, their present status and role. Data was collected from published resources, internet and field surveys for this study. It was found that once clean water bodies of district Srinagar, i.e., Dal lake, Anchar lake, Khushalsar lake, Gilsar, Nigeen lake, Jhelum, have fallen victim to extensive encroachment, garbage dumping, climate, over-extraction of ground water, change and the release of untreated sewage. Water bodies play a vital role in the region's ecosystem, human settlements, support local ecosystems, agriculture sector, fisheries, and tourism which play a significant role in Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. Water Pollution, Siltation and Deforestation, Climate Change are the main challenges water bodies are facing in district Srinagar. It is the responsibility of all stake holders to protect these water bodies used as drinking water sources, an important component of our lives.

The current article focuses on the waste management practices through the application of biogas plants in the states of Chhatisgarh and Karnataka. The article discusses the various modalities of biogas, its measurement methods, application not only at macro level but also micro level. While the biogas interventions are in rural areas, the other section of the article is on the urban area. Hence, the article covers both the urban and rural areas covering both geographies. Waste management has come a long way. In the United Progressive Alliance I era, the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) had the October 2nd date as the day of cleanliness. The Swacch Bharat Mission (SBM) picked up in 2014 with the efforts of Prime Minister Modi when he galvanized the efforts through Open Defecation Free efforts at the village level. The subsidies through the house hold toilet building efforts and the Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) efforts at the community level acted as the two active sides of the SBM coin. The article focuses on two action points primarily. One is the bio gas intervention and the other is the waste segregation. The article aspires that biogas intervention gets into focus again since the domesticated livestock will be back in focus again at village level.

Rapid industrialization as well as urbanization have resulted production of enormous solid wastes especially plastic pollutants throughout the world since last few decades. Disposal and management of solid wastes impose a serious threat in the present-day context. With continuous efforts of eco-activists towards minimizing impacts of plastic wastes on human health and environment, many entrepreneurs, NGOs and small-scale industries are trying their best to bring alternative solutions of plastic disposable cutleries by introducing eco-friendly utensils manufactured from biodegradable plant wastes. Towards sustainable livelihood development, role of ethnic societies throughout the world as well as the country is mentionworthy. The tribal people settled at Madarihat - Birpara block areas in the Alipurduar District of West Bengal have undertaken a remarkable initiative to manufacture eco-friendly tableware from betel nut (Areca catechu L.) leaves at rural level. This project not only provides a sustainable alternative to plastic utensils but also empowers the local tribal community through economic and skill development. This communication emphasizes on the process, benefits, and challenges associated with this initiative along with showcasing how traditional ecological knowledge can be contributed towards sustainable development.