Madhya Pradesh, the fifth most populous state and the second largest by area in India, has emerged as a national leader in sustainable waste management. With a population of over 70 million, the state’s urban areas face significant challenges in managing Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Through innovative practices and robust policies, Madhya Pradesh has transformed its waste management landscape, achieved numerous accolades, and set benchmarks for other states.

1. Solid Waste Management Initiatives

Madhya Pradesh has adopted independent solid waste management projects. Key projects and initiatives include:

• Material Recovery Facilities (MRF): The state has established 373 MRF units to process dry waste, ensuring effective recycling and resource recovery.
• Home Composting: Over 600,000 families in the state practice home composting, significantly reducing the organic waste burden on municipal systems.
• Composting Facilities: All 401 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the state have composting facilities for wet waste, promoting organic waste recycling and reducing landfill dependency.

Impact and Outcomes

• Cleanest State Recognition: For the past seven years, Madhya Pradesh has consistently ranked among the top three cleanest states in the country in the ‘Swachh Survekshan survey’.
• Awards and Ratings: The state has received 43 national awards, 156 Garbage-Free City (GFC) star ratings, and 361 Open Defecation Free (ODF++) certifications.
• Urban Achievements: Bhopal, the state capital, has been awarded a five-star rating for cleanliness and sustainability. Moreover, 157 cities in the state have achieved GFC star ratings, reflecting the widespread impact of the state’s efforts.

2. Integrated Solid Waste Management Case Study: Rewa ISWM Project

The Integrated Solid Waste Management (SWM) Project in Rewa, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative, exemplifies the state’s innovative approach. Launched in 2017, this project covers 28 ULBs.

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Background

• PPP (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer) for Integrated Solid Waste Management for a cluster of 28 ULBs
• The private operator is responsible for end-to-end SWM, covering municipal waste collection, transportation, processing, and disposal.
• Construction of Infrastructure (Transfer Stations, Processing Plant, Scientific Landfill Facility), O&M of facilities and vehicles.
• Comprehensive SWM: The private operator handles the entire waste management process, from collection to scientific disposal.
• Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Plant: The project includes a 6 MW WTE plant that has been operational since February 2024. The plant processes 340 TPD of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), producing compost and energy.

Salient Features of the Contract

• Total Project Capex Cost is Rs. 158.67 Crore. The private Operator’s share is Rs. 71.40 Crore.
• Operation cost: The private partner is being paid a monthly tipping fee of Rs. 1,740 per metric ton of MSW received at the ISWM facility.
• Payment of Capex only after achieving milestones for Performance Targets set in the Contract.
• The Private Partner will bear the additional expenditure if capital expenditure is exceeded
• Penalty to be imposed if minimum stipulated Performance Targets are not achieved in time (i.e. non-payment of a certain per cent of monthly tipping fee)

Impact and Outcomes

The Rewa ISWM project has significantly impacted the region’s waste management and energy production. Key outcomes include:

• Waste Processing: The Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plant processes approximately 1.24 lakh tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) annually. This substantial waste processing capacity has dramatically reduced the burden on landfills and improved waste management efficiency in the region.
• Energy Production: The WTE plant produces more than 525 lakh units of electricity annually, valued at over Rs. 30 crores. This contributes to the region’s energy supply and demonstrates the financial viability of waste-to-energy conversion.
• Environmental Benefits: By converting waste into energy, the project reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional waste disposal methods, such as landfilling. This contributes to a cleaner environment and aligns with sustainability goals. Assuming the plant reduces emissions by approximately 1 ton of CO2 per ton of waste processed, the project can generate around 1.24 lakh carbon credits annually, resulting in additional annual revenue of more than Rs. 8 crore from carbon credits.

Overall, the Rewa ISWM project demonstrates the effectiveness of integrated solid waste management solutions in addressing urban waste challenges while generating economic and environmental benefits.

3. Bioremediation and Legacy Waste Management

Madhya Pradesh has also made significant strides in managing legacy waste through bioremediation and scientific capping:

• Indore City Forest: The bioremediation of a dumpsite in Indore transformed over 100 acres of land into a city forest, reclaiming land worth Rs. 300 crore and planting
  1.5 lakh trees.
• Bhopal Dumpsite Remediation: The Bhanpur Khanti dumpsite in Bhopal underwent bioremediation and capping, reclaiming 21 acres of land worth Rs. 130 crores. The project, costing Rs. 42 crores, showcases effective legacy waste management and land reclamation.

Impact and Outcomes

• Land Reclamation: 121 acres of land, valued at Rs. 430 crores, were reclaimed in Indore and Bhopal for urban development and green spaces.
• Environmental Restoration: Planting 1.5 lakh trees in Indore improved air quality, reduced urban heat, and enhanced biodiversity.
• Reduction of Environmental Hazards: Bioremediation and capping reduced risks like leachate contamination and methane emissions, improving public health.

Overall, Madhya Pradesh’s bioremediation projects demonstrate the potential to transform urban landscapes, restore environmental health, and generate significant economic and social benefits.

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Madhya Pradesh’s holistic approach to waste management, combining technological innovation, community engagement, and strong policy frameworks, has positioned it as a pioneer in sustainable waste management. The state’s achievements serve as a model for other regions, demonstrating the impact of concerted efforts and strategic partnerships in creating cleaner, more sustainable urban environments.

Views expressed by: Akshay Temerwal, IAS, Additional Commissioner, Urban Administration & Development Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh

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