Global Rice News

Solutions to Open Waste Burning Demanded by Stakeholders

At a recent stakeholders’ dialogue on sustainable urban waste management, speakers emphasized the need for enhanced mobilization efforts, particularly focused on youth engagement, to address the issue of open waste burning in Pakistan. The dialogue, titled “Ending Open Waste Burning in Islamabad: A Dialogue on Sustainable Urban Waste Management,” was organized by the Institute of Urbanism (IoU) with support from the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) and Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).

Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of SDPI, highlighted that waste-to-energy projects in developing countries have successfully utilized solid waste as a valuable resource, similar to developed nations. He emphasized that Pakistan, being energy deficient, should explore waste-to-energy opportunities to improve energy security and resource management.

Dr. Ejaz Ahmed, Senior Programme Fellow at IoU, pointed out the lack of effective waste disposal systems across the country, which contributes to the burning of waste, including rice stubble, leading to serious health issues. He cited Islamabad, where only 60-70% of waste is properly managed, while the rest is burnt in streets and open areas, releasing harmful emissions from burning plastic and other materials.

Syeda Shazia Adeel from the National Institute of Health (NIH) stated that waste burning releases carcinogenic fumes and pathogens, resulting in severe diseases. However, the Institute aims to contribute through data sharing, surveillance, research, workshops, and comprehensive policy development to address this issue.

Dr. Mansoor Ali from the Royal Academy of Engineering UK highlighted the potential for mutual learning between India and Pakistan in waste management research. He emphasized the need for the IoU to engage with politicians and provide them with evidence and data to guide their decision-making. Furthermore, he pointed out the challenge of peripheral burning in the capital’s vicinity and Rawalpindi, stressing the importance of promoting partnerships for learning and cooperation beyond specific projects.

Dr. Abida Shareef of FJWU, leading an integrated solid waste management project, shared survey findings from 11,000 households. The survey revealed that a significant number of respondents believed household waste was not hazardous, couldn’t be segregated, and burning waste was not illegal or even a smart way to manage it.

Aqsa Arshad, a student from Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), highlighted the need for proper waste management on campus. She mentioned the excessive vegetation near Margalla Hills National Park, where plants and leaves are either burnt or dumped into nearby streams, causing pollution.

In conclusion, the dialogue emphasized the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to open waste burning. It highlighted the importance of youth engagement, effective waste management systems, collaboration between India and Pakistan, and raising awareness about the health and environmental impacts of waste burning.

Source: Tribune