The speaker for the talk was Mr.Rohit Maskara, alumnus from the MBA (Rural Management) 2009-11 batch. He is currently working with Centre for Environment Education as a Project Manager. His role focuses on the effective implementation of the project ‘Rural & Urban Landscapes Free of Dry & Plastic Waste’ in 12 selected cities and 140 villages. He was also designated as Program Officer at UNDP where his work focused on waste value chain.
In his talk, Mr. Rohit provided an overview of the current state of waste management in the country. He highlighted the massive volume of municipal solid waste generated annually and the inefficiencies in waste processing. A significant challenge discussed was the improper segregation of waste, which hinders effective recycling and processing. The role of the informal sector in waste collection and recycling was also emphasized, showcasing how marginalized sections contribute to managing waste.The discussion also covered the impact of plastic production and the low recycling rates of certain materials, particularly multi-layered plastics.
On the opportunities front, Mr. Rohit pointed out the potential for improving recycling infrastructure, promoting e-waste management. Aligning waste management impacts on 14 out of 17 SDG’S as a strategic approach to tackling the issue sustainably. The session concluded with a call to explore innovative solutions and policy measures to create a more efficient and sustainable waste management system in India.
