Hyderabad: The state government is working to tackle the plastic waste menace by establishing waste segregation facilities in villages and towns, as well as nurseries to encourage greenery. The aim is to eliminate single-use plastics and encourage recycling, while involving communities in waste management and providing incentives for new industries and waste-to-wealth projects, said Chief Secretary A. Santhi Kumari, who also heads the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB).
She was addressing a seminar conducted by the TGPCB on Tuesday on the theme of “Circular Economy, Recycling, and Waste Refurbishment Policies in Telangana”.
Addressing the seminar, principal secretary, environment, Ahmed Nadeem said the state had generated 168.37 million units of power and 17 lakh cubic metres of gas from municipal waste. The sewage management treats 2,750 million litres of sewage a day, and there were plans to add more sewage treatment plants.”
Leena Nandan, secretary of the Union ministry of environment, emphasised the importance of focusing on skill development and policy initiatives to promote recycling and a circular economy in the waste management sector.
Stakeholders presented best practices for managing municipal solid waste. Several organisations shared their experiences with the recycling and refurbishment of e-waste, batteries, and other waste materials.
G. Ravi, member secretary of TGPCB, said the challenges included lack of infrastructure for recycling and waste management, limited awareness among businesses and consumers and the need for clearer regulations and incentives to encourage circular practices.
