Gauri Chhabra
Trash to Treasure
On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s 145th birth anniversary, Prime Minister NarendraModi launched the ambitious ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’,theClean India missionseeking participation of all citizens in order to fulfil Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of ‘clean India’.The idea is to make a significant impact on public health and in safeguarding income of the poor, ultimately contributing to the national economy.
This initiative has renewed interest in careers in Waste Management. We snort our noses at it- rubbish, trash, waste, or garbage – whatever we might choose to call it- managing and turning this trash into a treasure can be the career of our lives. It is one career that is recession proof and the one that will always grow as an offshoot of industrialization and urbanization.
Getting in:
The courses in waste Management lay emphasis on the efficient management of natural resources for sustainable development. They are open to students with science or engineering background.With a degree in science, you may consider several MSc programs in environment sciences, which include subjects related to waste management, including hospital waste, bio-medical waste, industrial waste, and the like.
Institute Scape:
*Punjab University Chandigarhoffering M.Sc. Environment and solid waste management,.
*University of Madras offering MSc in international environment management.
*Bharathidasan Universityoffering MBA in environmental management.
*Indian Institute of Environment Management (SIES), Mumbai offering a course in environment sciences.
*University of Rajasthan, Jaipur offering diploma in environmental studies and environmental management.
*National Institute of Environment, Luck now, offering postgraduate diploma in industrial pollution management, environment management and environments consultancy which includes aspects of waste management.
*GGS Indraprastha UniversityDelhi – School of Environment Management offering two-year Master’s program in environment management.
*TERI University offering MA in sustainable development practice besides several postgraduate programs in environmental studies; natural and water resources management.
*IGNOU and WHO, SEARO offering a six month Certificate Program in Health Care Waste Management through open and distance learning.
Job Profile:
You would organize and manage waste disposal, collection and recycling facilities. You may be responsible for waste treatment and street cleaning operations. You would be
*supervising the transportation of waste to ensure that it takes place efficiently without contaminating air, land or water sources;
*assisting with the development, promotion and implementation of new waste disposal schemes;
*ensuring compliance with current legislation in the transportation, handling and disposal of waste;
*formulating and controlling the budget for waste disposal;
*assisting with the development of information and promotional materials;
*aiming to meet waste reduction and recycling targets;
*Consulting with residents, community group, housing associations and associations about waste management issues, identifying their requirements and providing appropriate solutions.
You would work mainly for local authorities but can also be employed by private waste businesses, industrial organizations, environmental agencies, consultancies and non-profit-making conservation projects.
Career Options:
With a population of over 1.2 billion, there has been rapid urbanization and modernization in India.All this meteoric rise took place within a single decade, most of the cities are under-prepared for the rapid growth and the infrastructure lacks serious development. To keep pace with the sudden growth and an increased awareness, there has been a spurt of jobs in the waste management sector:
Environment Consultant:
As an environmental consultant, you would work on commercial or government contracts, addressing a variety of environmental issues. They cover a wide range of disciplines such as assessment of air and water contamination;environmental impact assessment;environmental audit;waste management and the development of environmental policy and environmental management systems. You would work for local government and national regulatory organizations and water-related organizations.
Energy Manager:
As an energy manager, you’ll plan, regulate and monitor the energy use in an organization or facility. Your aim will be to improve efficiency by evaluating energy use and putting in place new policies and changes where needed. You’ll coordinate all aspects of energy management, from reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, to waste management and sustainable development by encouraging the use of renewable energy resources within an organization or community; developing solutions for carbon management; raising the profile of energy conservation.
Recycling officer:
Your main job would be to plan and develop environmental and waste reduction policies in a variety of ways, including managing local recycling schemes; creating and delivering educational programs and organizing community and media liaison initiatives.There are also growing opportunities to work in the private sector for recycling contractors or for environmental charities.The role of recycling officer has increased in importance in recent years, at least partly due to government targeting initiatives for reducing domestic and industrial waste.
Quarry manager:
Quarry managers are responsible for ensuring that quarries, pits and opencast sites operate successfully. They oversee all operations, both on site and in the office, manage staff, coordinate production and monitor all site systems.Quarries produce a wide range of materials for use in industry and construction. These include: rocks and stone of all types; slate; sand and gravel; china clay; brick and ball clay; coal; and other minerals and materials.Many quarries have ancillary plants producing asphalt, ready-mixed concrete and concrete products, while others have industrial plants producing cement, lime, bricks and tiles, glass and refractory sands, and specialized products.
Water quality scientist:
As water quality specialist, you would be responsible for safeguarding all aspects of water quality through scientific analysis and the setting of targets and standards in response to specific legislation. You would compare test results with these standards, investigate shortfalls and take action to remedy problems.Depending on the employer, they may be involved in providing solutions to water quality problems and water quality regulation.Water quality scientists usually specialize in drinking water, surface water (rivers, lakes, estuaries and groundwater.
More senior roles may involve significant liaison with businesses, the public and other water industry professionals.
Road Ahead – Going global:
With renewed focus on waste management owing to the Government campaigns like ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’, the road ahead looks not only local but also global with a number of foreign companies specializing in various waste management processes entering the market.With a growing urgency for efficient waste management in many cities across India, there will be more and more projects and employment opportunities in the sectorin various waste management areas like feasibility study, design and planning, technical consultations, restructuring of existing waste collection systems, etc. Some of the areas where foreign companies would bring in employment are engineering services, Transportation and waste collection, Technical consulting, Performing feasibility studies, Landfill treatment, Composting technologies, Dumpsite treatment, Biological waste treatment, Mechanical waste treatmentSewage sludge treatment and recycling
Additionally, there are fiscal incentives offered by the government, which makes this sector even more lucrative for international investors.Companies that handle waste management projects get tax deductions on gains and profits.Electricity taxes and excise duty with exemptions and concession and waiver of customs duty is offered on certain material imports meant for generating renewable energy.
Therefore, if you are keen on being a part of a cleaner and greener world, opt for a career in waste management and see the trash translate into treasure…
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