11,000 billion tonnes of garbage accumulated in India: Environment minister Bhupender Yadav

India's Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav, recently revealed that the country has accumulated 11,000 billion tonnes of garbage. This shocking revelation highlights the urgent need for India to address its waste management crisis.

The problem of garbage accumulation in India is not new. Rapid urbanization and population growth have led to a significant increase in waste generation in the country. However, inadequate waste management infrastructure and poor waste disposal practices have exacerbated the problem.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, India generates over 100 million tonnes of waste every year. Less than 20% of this waste is treated and disposed of scientifically. The rest is either dumped in landfills or openly burned, leading to severe environmental and health hazards.

The Indian government has taken several steps to address the country's waste management crisis. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2014, is one initiative to create a clean and hygienic India. Under this scheme, the government has focused on building toilets, improving solid waste management infrastructure, and promoting behavioural change among citizens.

However, much more needs to be done to address the scale of the problem. The government needs to build more waste treatment facilities and promote sustainable waste management practices. Citizens also need to be educated about proper waste disposal and recycling.

If India fails to address its waste management crisis, the consequences could be severe. This could lead to increased pollution, degradation of the environment, and the spread of diseases. Therefore, the government and citizens must work together to find a sustainable solution to this problem.