SOLID WASTE AND HEALTH

NSWAI-ENVIS Centre had organized a one-day seminar on “Solid Waste and Health” in collaboration with Department of Post Graduate Studies and Research in Home Sciences, S.N.D.T Women’s University, Juhu, Mumbai, on 17th October 2005. The above seminar was supported by Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board and Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai.

The handling of Solid Waste in the process of management from the source to disposal causes adverse impacts on human health especially those who are involved in it. For instance, the municipality workers, rag pickers, house wives, children, other members of the society and people living in and around Solid Waste dumping sites.

The introductory speech was given by Mr. R. K. Garg Emeritus President-NSWAI who highlighted the impact of Solid Waste on Health from its generation to its disposal it was followed by Mr. Bharat B Nimbarte R O MPCB giving a brief idea on how NGO’s & common people can work for better solid Waste Management.

Session I was started by Dr. Rakesh Kumar Asst. Director NEERI who spoke on “Health improvement in relation to Solid Waste Management” describing on how sustainable Solid Waste Management can be achieved by involving local authorities with both the public & private sectors. Mr. Sudhir Badami a Consulting Engineer spoke on the topic ”Calamity related Health Implications in Mumbai from Solid Waste” briefly explaining the flood menace on 26/27 July in Mumbai. Mr.Subhash Patil an ALM officer of MCGM explained the benefits of composting at household levels.

Session II started with a film show provided by MPCB based on Solid Waste showing the attitude of people towards the Waste. It was followed by Mr. Rupesh Bhandarkar of Earth Crop Bio Fertilizers Pvt Ltd who presented the “Agricultural Usages” of Bio Trigger Mechanism. Dr MVM. Desai Ex Scientist, BARC explained the Direct & Indirect effect of Solid Waste on the environment by the projects covered by the student of S.N.D.T University on Solid Waste Generation and its processing in the Shopping Malls & Hotels. Ms Sangeeta Saral of Stri Mukti Sanghathan explained the brief talk on the Impacts of Solid Waste on the Health of Rag pickers. Rag pickers also participated to share the experiences in their work.

The seminar concluded by vote of thanks by Dr. Amiya Kumar Sahu Vice-President NSWAI.