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 141.0 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 12.75 lakhs as per Census 2001 with a decadal growth rate of 30.37 per cent and the population projections for the year 2021 is 22.69 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 (2004-2005) Details 2004-2005 Shops & Commercial Establishments 50,188 Hotels & Restaurants 146 Market Stalls 195 Market vendors 462
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 1997-98 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.
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.
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,
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.
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 10-20 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. 3.1.1 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
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. 3.1.2 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
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. 3.1.3 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.
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: 111.055 kg Therefore, percentage plastic content = Total weight of Plastic 100 Total weight of samples = 111.055 100 1600 = 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. 3.1.4 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 25 20 15 10 5 0 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011 2021 Year Population 2001 (Census) 12.75 lakhs
Projected population 2011 17.53 lakhs (ref: City Development Plan) Therefore, estimated population for 2009 = 16.57 lakhs (Note: Assuming linear growth in population figures, 2001 (actual) & 2011 - Estimated population has been calculated) Waste generated 710 MT/day Per capita generation = total waste generated Population = 710000 1657000 = 428 gm/capita/day ₃ Projected generation of Plastic in 2011: Projected population 2011 17.53 lakhs (ref: City Development Plan, JNNURM) Per capita generation = 428 gm/capita/day Total Waste generated = Projected population x Per capita generation = 17.53 100000 0.428 kg = 750284 kg = 750MT/day Assuming no rise in per capita waste generation patterns, the projected plastic was calculated with 6.94% Plastic waste generation = 6.94 750 100 = 52.05 MT/day of plastic ₃ Projected generation of Plastic in 2021: Projected population 2016 22.69 lakhs Per capita generation = 428 gm/capita/day Total Waste generated = Projected population x Per capita generation = 22.69 x 100000 x 0.428 kg
= 971132 kg = 971.13 MT/day Assuming no rise in per capita waste generation patterns, the projected plastic was calculated with 6.94% Plastic waste generation = 6.94 931.13 100 = 64.62 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)
- 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 2002-2006 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.
ANNEXURES Extract from the report Plastic Waste Quantification & Characterization Report & Assessment of Waste
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 20 1500 Ajam Khan 20 1400 20 1300 2813 925 360 0 0 600 Collection bin 20 1150 20 1200 20 1700 2120 705 488 400 164 40 Open dump 10 850 10 600 980 214 85 0 48 0 Open dump 10 600 10 550 496 380 50 0 52 200 2 Surya Collection bin 20 1450 Nagar 20 1300 20 1500 2776 1081 28 192 104 0 Collection bin 20 1450 20 1300 20 1300 2435 1660 0 0 0 0 Open dump 10 550 10 480 511 187 326 0 21 0 Open dump 10 350 10 450 640 153 0 0 0 0 3 Khandari Collection bin 20 1250 (M & I) 20 1600 20 1500 2635 1692 0 0 0 0 Collection bin 20 1200 2500 1462 0 390 93 0
0 0 20 1600 20 1700 Open dump 10 850 10 700 860 55 326 153 0 50 Open dump 10 850 10 800 988 450 157 0 35 0 4 Civil Lines, Collection bin 20 1850 Bagh 20 1050 Farzana 20 1200 1484 62 2560 0 0 140 (HI) Collection bin 20 1300 20 1050 0 0 0 20 850 2189 908 360 Open dump 10 950 960 337 54 218 0 10 680 Open dump 10 450 689 80 140 0 10 10 450 0 5 Shahdara Collection bin 20 1200 2890 597 96 200 (slum) (LI) 20 1400 20 1150 0 0 Collection bin 20 1250 3005 837 120 20 1750 0 0 20 1050 0 Open dump 10 600 991 163 280 34 10 850 0 Open dump 10 650 10 850 885 280 243 0 69 0 6 Idgah Collection bin 20 1550 2560 1705 1264 192 Colony 20 1700 20 1400 Collection bin 20 1350 2500 705 1264 192 20 1900 0 0 20 1700
Open dump 10 800 1053 373 128 0 56 0 10 850 Open dump 10 900 1208 310 0 0 68 Total 10 700 0 960 66460 40168 15321 8275 1381 1252 1142 Average % 60.43 23.05 12.45 2.07 1.88 1.71 1 Sanjay Collection bin 20 1550 Place 20 1200 20 850 1499 1504 447 15 26 43 Collection bin 20 1700 20 1750 20 1650 2126 2342 509 62 48 27 Open dump 10 850 10 650 736 558 62 83 0 38 Open dump 10 500 10 625 581 412 26 0 0 213 2 Transport Collection bin 20 1350 Nagar 20 1700 20 1200 1530 2472 0 231 0 37 Collection bin 20 1450 20 1750 20 1400 1856 1973 189 364 0 198 Open dump 10 450 10 470 426 287 84 0 0 98 Open dump 10 400 10 350 278 357 28 30 0 35 3 Subhash Collection bin 20 1550 market 20 1650 20 1600 1776 1584 0 0 546 929 Collection bin 20 1400 1619 1106 93 0 198 908
20 1250 20 1300 Open dump 10 400 10 500 580 154 126 0 0 25 Open dump 10 500 10 500 434 260 95 65 34 73 4 Bhagwan Collection bin 20 1550 Talkies 20 1600 20 1600 2910 868 515 0 249 172 Collection bin 20 1400 20 1400 20 1500 2445 1278 290 0 275 0 Open dump 10 850 10 750 785 480 162 70 176 0 Open dump 10 650 10 800 732 395 140 76 145 640 44595 20313 16030 2766 996 1697 2796 LANDFILL SITE 1 Kuberpur 20 1550 20 750 20 1600 20 1200 20 2150 100 7250 1185 147 23 170 0 10 482 167 25 0 32 40 980 251 40 218 46 0 802 160 0 135 49 0 1605 486 52 36 0 0 5054 1211 140 559 127 50