Waste Waste Everywhere
In modern cities across the world, waste has become part of the day-to-day reality; it’s on the streets; it’s in the rivers, it’s everywhere. There would be places where it is a hidden reality but no case can be put in favor that it is not a problem.
Various international agencies from the United Nations to our local Central Government’s Swachh Bharat Mission have taken up the mantle to solve the Garbage Problem through year-long campaigns of #BeatPlasticPollution to the reward system of cleaner and greener city. The question is: is it enough?
Our Solve Ninja, Siddharth Santosh, disturbed by the daily sight of the garbage dump on the streets of once referred to as Garden City- Bengaluru decided to unravel the mysteries of “Why is my waste still here?”
He researched and collected data around the methods and processes currently being used to collect and process waste by the city’s Municipal Corporation — BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike). He then proposed solutions backed by evidence to keep the city clean including simple changes in the tendering process as used by BBMP.
He documented this all in a paper, co-authored with Padmini Ram (Professor at Christ University) titled: “Why is my waste still here?”
He recently presented this paper at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru.
It is interesting to see how young problem solvers are using our thought process of public problem-solving in various ways to engage with the authorities and bring changes in the effective management of waste.
Have you ever been bothered by the waste on the streets? If the response to this question is: yes, then you can also take action against it by simply reporting about it on our Solve Ninja app and be the agent of change in your community.
Siddharth Santosh is a final year student in the field of Economics who believes in the power of public policy. In his free time, he listens to podcasts and has interests in gardening.
