Dumpsites are a menace in every city in the world. Be it in the middle of the city or in a remote location in the outskirts, dump sites are one of the biggest health and ecological hazards human kind is facing everywhere. The toxic leach and the resources wasted are heavily impacting even the existence of life. Dumpsite clearance is conventionally done by removing the waste from the existing locations to another remote location, away from our sight. This is a false sense of relief as ecosystem damage is not limited to a specific area but of global impact.
Project Udhyanam was launched with previous experiences in managing the waste produced in regional and national events. Udhyanam (Flower Garden) is a project in which dumpsites are identified with the help of local residence welfare associations, and create a volunteer group, generate material resources and launch the absolute dump site clearance program in which:
- The wastes are segregated into biodegradable (BD) and non biodegradable (NBD) waste.
- BD waste will be filled into grow bags and inoculated with microbes and left for 15 days. Ornamental plants (due to the presence of small bits of NBD waste, food crops cannot be introduced) are planted into this grow bags converting the dumpsite to garden.
- The BD waste will be given to local government agencies or municipal corporations for further forward linkage.
The project was well received by the citizens and a number of dumpsites were turned into gardens. Following the success of the pilot projects, a scale up was done with following additions;
- Painting the walls around the dumpsite with art work communicating healthy environment and responsible living.
- The ornamental plants will be later transferred into fancy pots made of bamboo, clay etc and kept for sales in the same location thereby bringing financial sustainability.
- The NBD waste will be forward linked for secondary segregation and recycling.
