AIZWAL, Sep 14 : The latest performance audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has raised serious concerns over the state of solid waste management in Mizoram’s urban areas, describing the existing systems as a significant environmental risk.
The report warns that the improper handling of waste is endangering land, air, water quality, human health, and the broader ecosystem.
Despite the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, which outline clear guidelines for waste collection, segregation, storage, transportation, and disposal, the CAG’s findings reveal widespread failures in their execution across selected urban centers in Mizoram.
The audit exposed major shortcomings in the state’s waste management practices, including unsafe disposal methods, lack of scientifically designed landfills, inadequate worker safety, and weak financial accountability.
A particularly concerning issue highlighted in the report is the inability to accurately assess the volume of waste generated due to the absence of weighbridges. This has hindered effective planning and resource allocation for waste management.
Furthermore, the report noted that waste segregation efforts were almost non-existent, with most waste collection vehicles being uncovered, overloaded, and lacking GPS monitoring systems.
In terms of disposal, Aizawl’s waste processing facilities remain underutilised, while other urban areas like Lunglei and Lawngtlai have no waste processing plants or scientific landfills at all. As a result, untreated waste is often dumped at open sites, and there have been reports of waste burning at several locations.
Financial irregularities also came to light, with Local Councils failing to remit user charges collected for waste management to the Aizawl Municipal Corporation.
Additionally, the segregation of hazardous domestic waste was found to be inadequate, and sanitation workers were often deprived of essential protective equipment. In cases where gear was provided, it was not always worn, exposing workers to health risks.
The audit also revealed troubling environmental practices at the Tuirial landfill site, where no environmental testing had been conducted from its establishment until December 2022. This raises concerns about potential contamination from the site.
The absence of litter bins in public areas further exacerbates the problem, leading to open littering and compromising public hygiene and aesthetics. In its conclusion, the CAG stressed that Mizoram’s solid waste management system is plagued by systemic issues, inadequate infrastructure, and poor enforcement of regulations.
The report urged the state government to take immediate corrective action to protect public health and the environment.
Among the key recommendations made to the state government were the installation of weighbridges in key urban areas for accurate waste assessment, stricter enforcement of waste segregation at the source, and the proper coverage of waste during transportation to prevent
spillage and foul odors.
The report also called for the optimal use of waste processing infrastructure, better accounting of user charges by Local Councils, and the conduct of regular environmental impact assessments to monitor air and groundwater quality.
Additionally, municipal bodies were advised to identify garbage-prone areas and provide adequate litter bins in all public spaces.
(UNI)
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