GENRE: Solutions

In urban areas, an unmistakable, overpowering stench often signals the presence of a waste processing facility in a neighbourhood. The foul odour emanating from these sites has long been a major concern for residents and civic authorities. It is also purportedly one of the main reasons behind the Greater Chennai Corporation's (GCC) recent decision to shut down 168 Micro Composting Centres (MCC) and 88 Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) across the city. Despite the challenges, these MCCs play a crucial role in Chennai’s decentralised waste management system. If foul odour and associated health concerns are the problem, a micro composting centre…

In a bustling neighbourhood of Andheri (West), a housing society's effort to recycle black water is a lesson in self-sufficiency. Evershine Cosmic Co-operative Housing Society, comprising 186 flats, has successfully handled sewage from its homes since 2016. The society has not only reduced its environmental impact but has also managed to use the treated water effectively. This eco-conscious approach has helped the housing society meet its diverse water needs. Not many housing societies in Mumbai operate their own sewage treatment plants (STP) mainly because this involves demanding work and overseeing every step of the process. Besides, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal…

Two years ago, I visited the Central Park South apartment complex in Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) to observe and write about its in-house Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). While large apartment complexes are required to have the facility to treat their sewage, many in Chennai lack one. Unlike other buildings in OMR, Central Park South had little choice, as the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) has yet to provide essential services like drinking water and underground drainage. I revisited the apartment this month, eager to see how the sewage treatment system had evolved. While it has had a…

In a quiet corner of Buragunte village, a transformation has been taking shape — one that turns kitchen waste into nourishment for the land and, in turn, provides food for the families of the women who made it happen. What started as a simple conversation has now evolved into a collective effort, spearheaded by one determined woman, Lalitha Akka.  Residents of Buragunte village under Anekal Taluk in Sarjapura, had long followed the waste disposal practice most commonly observed in our cities and towns — they would simply hand over their mixed waste to the collection vehicle from Billapura Gram Panchayat,…

As per Census 2011, one out of every six city dwellers — that is, 17.4% of the total urban population in India — lives in slums. While union and different state governments have made several efforts to address the challenges of housing and to improve the dismal living conditions in slums, a unique model has emerged in Odisha in recent years. The Odisha model has not only been successful in addressing the challenges that are integral to slum upgradation, but it also shows the way to collaborative problem solving in our cities, which are faced with systemic challenges that are…

“A democracy masterclass is brewing in North Chennai, where children are showing the way for the 200 ward councillors of the Greater Chennai Corporation,” says Charu Govindan, Founder and Convener at Voice of People. For around six years, her collective has advocated for Area Sabhas, which many councillors conveniently skip to avoid meeting the residents.  But Bala Sabhas, led by child councillors in North Chennai for over a year, are pushing for real change. They have prompted the installation of new street lights and barbed wire fencing at a local GCC school in Tondiarpet, for example.  What is a Bala…

Oval Maidan in Mumbai is at once several things for Mumbai and Mumbaikars. It is an important ground for cricket and has been declared a Grade 1 Heritage Maidan by the government. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai', it serves as a much-needed green lung and open space in the city. However, not many people know that the Oval Maidan is also home to a successful rainwater harvesting system. Although not visible above ground, this system has been quietly and consistently replenishing the water table and providing water for the upkeep…

On September 22nd, the playground on the Raosaheb Patwardhan Park resembled a happy space where people gathered to enjoy and chat, children played football, a few played badminton or even hula hoops. A group jived over Zumba dance moves, while others danced to the live percussion music. The crowd had gathered to celebrate the playground being saved from the clutches of cemented development. A cake was cut to celebrate the occasion. Elected representatives from all the major political parties, Varsha Gaikwad, Mumbai head of the Congress, Priyanka Chaturvedi from the Shiv Sena and even Ashish Shelar, the local Bharatiya Janata…

Much of the waste we produce need not go straight to the landfill. With proper management, plastic crisp packets are recycled and repurposed, while banana peels and eggshells become soil. Hygiene waste items, such as used menstrual products, however, are destined for the dump or incinerator. This represents a significant environmental challenge. That's where concerted community efforts can make a big difference. A group in Kannamangala transformed their waste management practices through the support of Stone Soup, an organisation based in Bengaluru. Founded by Malini Parmar, Stone Soup is dedicated to sustainable waste management and menstrual hygiene initiatives, and it…

Bengaluru has numerous parks and lakes, where we all love to walk and run. However, the city lacks proper walking, cycling, and running infrastructure. Daily walking for errands is nearly impossible due to broken sidewalks, exposed wires, and construction debris everywhere. Attempting to use a bicycle or run on the roads puts one at risk from heavy vehicles, cars, and other traffic.  Sheela Sahi, a commuter, on her way to work on her cycle. Pic: Sheela Sahi Climate change and oft-repeated solutions While the weather has traditionally been good, in recent years, due to climate change, it has been worsening.…