Dr. Anu Kumar
Microbiologist & Associate Professor
Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab
Beneath the shining glass towers of urban India lies a grim, growing secret: our nation is drowning in its own waste. With every passing day, the problem gets messier — and more ignored.
India generates over 160,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, yet more than 60% of it is never processed. It piles up in landfills, seeps into groundwater, clogs our rivers, and fuels disease. But the real tragedy? We’re not just dumping garbage — we’re dumping opportunity.
Yes, you read that right. Waste isn’t a burden — it’s a hidden resource. Food scraps can become compost. Plastic can become fuel. My research in microbial biotechnology and nanomaterial-assisted degradation has shown how even the most stubborn waste like plastic can be broken down efficiently and sustainably — reducing its impact from centuries to mere months.
The science exists. The solutions are real. What we lack is the will to act.
We need to redefine our relationship with waste. The real revolution won’t come from policy alone — it will come from people. Segregating wet and dry waste at home is not just civic duty — it’s environmental patriotism. Our ragpickers, the invisible eco-warriors, must be given dignity, safety, and recognition. Schools must teach waste literacy. Municipalities must embrace smart waste hubs, compost stations, and waste-to-energy plants.
Indore transformed from filthy to fabulous — not just through government action, but through community conviction. Kerala’s decentralized composting model is thriving. These aren’t exceptions. They are blueprints for a cleaner India.
Let’s be clear — this is not just a sanitation issue. It’s a health crisis, a climate issue, an economic challenge — and an opportunity to lead the world in circular economy practices.
We can’t afford apathy anymore. We need action. We need awareness. And above all, we need to realize:
Waste is not the end of the line — it’s the beginning of a better, cleaner, greener future.