Introduction to Agra (India)

Transcription

1 Introduction to Agra (India) 1.1 Background The city of Agra is situated on the western bank of river Yamuna on National Highway (N.H- 2) at about 200 Km from Delhi in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Agra is geographically located at 27 12' N latitude and 78 12' E longitude. It has a strategic location, being at the confluence of three distinct geo-physical regions namely the plains of Uttar Pradesh, the plateau of Madhya Pradesh and the desert of Rajasthan. 1.2 Geographical size The administrative jurisdiction of the Agra Nagar Nigam includes an area of sq. km with a population density of about 9,043 persons per sq. km as per 2001 census. The city is divided into 80 wards for administrative purposes. 1.3 Population size and expected growth The population of Agra city is lakhs as per Census 2001 with a decadal growth rate of per cent and the population projections for the year 2021 is lakhs. The city is divided into 80 wards but the distribution of population is non-uniform across the city. The ward nos. 26, 43, 50 and 66 have high concentration of population whereas the ward nos. 36, 40 and 47 have low population. 1.4 Commercial undertakings Agra is a commercial city, the major part of its industrial activity being in the form of small-scale and house-hold industries. The important industries are textiles, leather, foundries, diesel engines, generator sets, electrical goods, fans, pipes, C.I, casting, shoes, steel rolling, packaging materials, etc. The major handicrafts include marble figures, leather products, carpet, brassware, jewellery and dari craft. Trade & Commerce establishment ( ) Details Shops & Commercial Establishments 50,188 Hotels & Restaurants 146 Market Stalls 195 Market vendors 462

2 Offices and Institutions 1,144 Total 52,135 As per the report of District Industries Centre there are a total of 5,263 small scale industry (SSI) units in Agra. There are also about 30,000 household handicraft units in the city. Agra city has been the traditional seat of Iron Casting products from the Mughal period. Before 1993, there were approximately 250 foundry units in the city but with the declaration of Taj Trapezium Zone in and implementation of strict pollution norms many industries were closed down. Now there are only 166 foundry units working in the city by adopting environment friendly fuel. The shoe manufacturing industry in Agra exists mainly as a cottage industry. There are about 5,000 to 7,000 such units in Agra. 1.5 Administrative boundaries and responsibilities The civic administration in the city of Agra falls under the jurisdiction of Agra Nagar Nigam (Municipal Corporation). This is the principal urban governance institution, in addition to few other organizations and parastatals. Solid waste management is the responsibility of Public Health Department of Agra Nagar Nigam whereas Engineering Department assists in the procurement of the vehicles, equipment and developing the landfill site, etc. The Chief Health Officer is the key person responsible for waste management in the city. About 90% of the total employee strength of the Public Health Department comprise of sanitary workers.

3 Baseline Data (2009) 2.1 Methodology for baseline survey The Guidelines for Assessment of Waste Plastics provided the base structure for designing the baseline survey methodology. However, based on the findings of the recce visits conducted, the methodology was modified in response to local circumstances in terms of data availability and applicability and relevance of the suggested guidelines. The methodology adopted includes a combination of secondary literature review, primary data collection and data analysis. The key components are: > Consultation meetings with respective municipal authorities in Agra. Discussions and interactions were held with key officials of Agra Nagar Nigam to seek support in terms of access to information for the project. > Interaction with other stakeholders: Key stakeholders involved in waste management, especially in the context of plastic waste, were identified and interactions were held with them for a holistic understanding of the systems and value chains. Some of the stakeholders are enlisted below: - Hotels - Scrap Dealers - Rag pickers - Commercial Establishments - Sanitary inspectors/ workers > Secondary literature review The secondary literature review proved to be an important asset in the absence of access to information available with the Municipal Corporations. The major source of information was the City Development Plans developed for sourcing funds under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) programme.

4 The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) aims to encourage cities to initiate steps to bring about improvement in the existing service levels in a financially sustainable manner. The JNNURM consists of two sub-missions: the Urban Infrastructure and Governance and the Basic Services to the Urban Poor. It believes that in order to make cities work efficiently and equitably, it is essential to create incentives and support urban reforms at state and city levels; develop appropriate enabling and regulatory frameworks; enhance the creditworthiness of municipalities; and integrate the poor with the service delivery system. > Recce Visit Different waste streams residential, commercial, industrial, construction and WEEE were explored. Based on the findings of the visit, the methodology was streamlined and residential and commercial streams were selected for detailed survey. General observation from recce visit: Segregation of waste is not practiced in either of the two cities. The unsegregated waste is disposed off at common collection points (municipal waste bins) or open dumps. The city is not distinguished into clearly defined residential, commercial or industrial areas, and therefore, the waste generated cannot be specifically identified as originating from these sectors. Hence, the sampling sites have been selected to include localities that may be identified as primarily residential or commercial, but exhibit considerable overlap. Consequently, the collection points receive waste from all sectors. > Primary survey Collection Point Survey Both designated and informal collection points were identified in key residential and commercial areas for baseline survey. The sample sites were selected from across the geographical spread of the cities to include adequate representation of localities with different demographic and economic profile. Dumpsite / Landfill site Survey Primary surveys were also carried out at landfill sites for a fair idea of the different types of waste being generated in each city and the composition of the waste (with particular reference to the contribution of plastics). It also allowed comparison between the waste compositions at collection and disposal sites,

5 thereby providing insight into the retrieval of materials of value by the informal sector. The landfill site survey also helped in estimating the total quantity of waste generated in each city on the basis of the numbers and capacities of disposal vehicles entering the landfill each day. Note: Disposal site vehicle survey for estimating the relative contribution of different sectors to total waste (as suggested in guidelines) were not conducted as it was not relevant in the context of the observed sectoral overlap in waste as already elaborated upon in the section on recce visit findings. Sample size determination The sample size was determined based on socio-economic and to provide adequate geographical representation. > Data Analysis and future projections The sample data collected will be analysed for quantification and characterisation of waste plastics. Future projections will look at estimating generation of plastic waste in year 2011 & 2016 based on growth in population.

6 Plastic Waste Generation: Quantification and Characterization 3.1 Introduction Agra Nagar Nigam estimates the solid waste generation in the city to be around 710MT/day. However, studies done under the JNNURM programme estimate that about 628 MT of solid waste is generated every day in the city, which comes out to be about 492 grams per capita per day (ref: City Development Plan, JNNURM). Significantly, as per a National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) Strategy Paper on SWM in India, (1996) the average per capita waste generation in a city with population range between lakhs is around 270 grams per capita per day. In this regard, Agra has high per capita waste generation compared to other cities with similar population size. One of the possible reasons could be large tourist population Sample Survey For residential areas, 6 locations were selected keeping in mind the socio-economic status and geographical location. The residential areas selected are: > Surya Nagar > Idgah Colony > Shahdara > Ghatia Ajam Khan > Khandari > Civil Lines Bagh Farzana At each location, 4 sites were selected 2 collection points and 2 open dumps. At each collection point, 3 samples of 20 kg each were taken for analysis and 2 samples of 10 kg at each dump site. 4 key Commercial areas of the city were selected for sample survey namely, > Sanjay Place > Transport Nagar > Bhagwan Talkies > Subhash Market

7 Sample selection in commercial areas was same as that employed in residential areas. In Agra, total waste from the city is disposed at a temporary landfill at Kuberpur village, 12 km from the city on Agra Firozabad highway. At the landfill site, 5 samples of 20 kg each were analysed for plastic content. ₃ Observations > In all the commercial areas, plastic waste from packaging is traded off to kabariwalas or small scrap dealers. In Subhash Market, which is a wholesale market for cloth, a shop produces 5-6 kgs of packaging waste per week. This waste is sold to local kabariwalas at Rs 20-25/ kgs Plastic waste characterisation Plastic waste characterisation and analysis was done using both methods hand sorting and visual estimation. Based on the estimations, it was found that the Plastic waste generated in Agra is mostly thin film plastic carry bags and packaging material. The other plastic products like bottles, milk packets (LDPE), buckets, etc do not come into the common collection bins or open dump sites but instead are traded off to small kabariwalas or scrap dealers. The plastic waste generated is classified locally by Kabariwalas with local names like HM (Poly ethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), LD (low density polyethylene), etc. These classifications are based on the commercial values of plastic waste. Residential Waste Plastic Composition 2% 2% 2% PE 12% PP 23% 59% LDPE PVC PET Others Fig: 1: Graph representing plastic waste composition in residential areas

8 Commercial plastic waste composition 4% 2% 6% 36% 6% PE PP 46% LDPE PVC PET Others Fig: 2: Graph representing plastic waste composition in commercial areas ₃ Observations > Polyethylene (PE) is the major type of plastic waste generated in both residential and commercial areas with 59% and 46% composition respectively, of total waste plastic. The level of Polypropylene (PP) is about 23% and 36% in residential and commercial areas, respectively. Increased levels of PP in commercial areas is attributed to its use in packaging material and also produce disposable cups (these are used by road side tea and snack stalls in huge numbers) which are extensively used in these areas.. > The other types of plastic are similar in both the areas owing to overlap at collection points and dump sites Plastic waste quantification To identify and ascertain the quantity of waste plastic generated in Agra, samples were collected from 6 residential and 4 commercial areas. 100 samples were collected from these 10 locations for an adequate representation of these waste streams. Mix waste samples were collected from common collection points and open dumps at both residential and commercial areas for analysis. Hand sorting methods were employed for segregating waste plastics from mix waste and data was analysed to assess the quantity of waste plastic generated.

9 The details of samples collected, their locations, quantity of waste are given as Annexure 1. Number of samples: 100 Total weight of samples: 1600 kg Total weight of Plastic: kg Therefore, percentage plastic content = Total weight of Plastic 100 Total weight of samples = = 6.94 % Note: the percentage plastic content has been calculated on the basis of primary survey conducted at residential and commercial sites. Plastic waste generated by industrial sector has not been taken into account as it is generally routed to recyclers directly and therefore, does not reach collection and landfill sites Waste projections The future projections for solid waste generation have been calculated keeping in mind the growth in population. The other influencing factors like change in waste generation patterns have not been considered. Population projection - Agra (lakhs) Population Year Population 2001 (Census) lakhs

10 Projected population lakhs (ref: City Development Plan) Therefore, estimated population for 2009 = lakhs (Note: Assuming linear growth in population figures, 2001 (actual) & Estimated population has been calculated) Waste generated 710 MT/day Per capita generation = total waste generated Population = = 428 gm/capita/day ₃ Projected generation of Plastic in 2011: Projected population lakhs (ref: City Development Plan, JNNURM) Per capita generation = 428 gm/capita/day Total Waste generated = Projected population x Per capita generation = kg = kg = 750MT/day Assuming no rise in per capita waste generation patterns, the projected plastic was calculated with 6.94% Plastic waste generation = = MT/day of plastic ₃ Projected generation of Plastic in 2021: Projected population lakhs Per capita generation = 428 gm/capita/day Total Waste generated = Projected population x Per capita generation = x x kg

11 = kg = MT/day Assuming no rise in per capita waste generation patterns, the projected plastic was calculated with 6.94% Plastic waste generation = = MT/day of plastic Note: The city of Agra comes under the Taj Trapezium Zone, therefore, development of large scale industries is not expected. However, there is an expected increase in IT and other software based industries. These industries don not produce large amount of plastic waste. 3.2 Conclusions and Recommendations > The Guidelines for Assessment of Waste Plastics developed by UNEP-IETC were applied and it was found keeping in mind the waste management scenario in India. - For example: The waste management is very different in Indian cities and towns due to lack of segregation of waste at any point of generation, collection or disposal. The collection system is also not planned and designed to separate waste from different waste streams like residential, commercial and industrial sources. At the collection points, the waste from these is mixed. As a result, the methodology of waste quantification and characterisation becomes non-applicable. - Keeping in mind, the guidelines methodology need to be modified for assessment of plastic in mixed waste. > It is estimated that in Agra city, composition of plastic waste is about 6.94% of total waste generated. However, previous studies have estimated it to be about 8.72%. This can be due to seasonal variations and also contribution of industrial waste. The plastic generation is tremendously increasing in the city. The major types of plastic generated are Polyethylene, Poly propylene and Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). > Although the amount of plastic waste generation in both the cities is of substantial quantity, the waste plastic which reaches the landfill is soiled due to mixing with wet organic waste. However, this type of low quality plastic waste is being successfully utilised for other applications as indicated below (This list is just an indication of possible productive waste utilisation opportunities)

12 - Road making Use of waste plastic in road construction is gaining popularity. Bangalore is one such city where such initiative has been piloted and has been successful. The CPCB has also undertaken a project in collaboration with Thiagarajar College of Engineering Madurai to evaluate the performance of polymer coated built roads laid during in different cities. The study has found that the plastic tar roads are more durable and do not developed any potholes, rutting, raveling or edge flaw, even though these roads are more than four years of age. - Composite making Sriram Institute of Industrial Research has developed technologies for plastic furniture made from waste material with good durability and aesthetics. - Cement kilns One of the most effective methods of recycling of plastics waste for recovery of energy is the use of plastics waste as an alternative to possible fuel in Cement Kilns. As Cement Kilns operate at a very high temperature in the range of 1500 C or more, there is no risk of generation of any toxic emission due to the burning of plastics waste. Central Pollution Control Board has realized this opportunity of using cement kilns as an alternative incinerator and has allowed some cement plants for conducting operational trials under controlled conditions and supervision.

13 ANNEXURES Extract from the report Plastic Waste Quantification & Characterization Report & Assessment of Waste

14 Table 1: Plastic waste characterization - Agra S. Site Type of Sample Plastic Types of plastic (by %) No collection Size waste HM PP LD PVC PET Others point (kg) (gm) RESIDENTIAL AREAS (wt) % (wt) % (wt) % (wt) % (wt) % (wt) % 1 Ghatia Collection bin Ajam Khan Collection bin Open dump Open dump Surya Collection bin Nagar Collection bin Open dump Open dump Khandari Collection bin (M & I) Collection bin

15 Open dump Open dump Civil Lines, Collection bin Bagh Farzana (HI) Collection bin Open dump Open dump Shahdara Collection bin (slum) (LI) Collection bin Open dump Open dump Idgah Collection bin Colony Collection bin

16 Open dump Open dump Total Average % Sanjay Collection bin Place Collection bin Open dump Open dump Transport Collection bin Nagar Collection bin Open dump Open dump Subhash Collection bin market Collection bin

17 Open dump Open dump Bhagwan Collection bin Talkies Collection bin Open dump Open dump LANDFILL SITE 1 Kuberpur