The Clean India Show 2024, scheduled for November 21-23 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, will highlight tech-enabled solutions for professional cleaning, facility management, hygiene, waste management, laundry, and auto care. Supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI), the expo's theme is "Sweeping Changes with Automation, Technology & Innovation." Over 172 exhibitors and 600+ brands will present innovative solutions aimed at enhancing productivity and efficiency in the cleaning industry. The event will feature advanced hygiene solutions, robotic cleaning machines, FM software and automation, green cleaning chemicals, waterless hygiene and sanitation solutions, city cleaning systems, waste management solutions, recycling solutions, and products for vehicle care and maintenance. It will also include measurable air quality systems, mechanized cleaning solutions, and efficient solutions for hygienic linen, laundry, and dry cleaning.

Kerala is set to implement a Green Leaf Rating System to enhance waste management practices across the state. The initiative, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, will recognize municipalities and panchayats based on their waste management practices and adopting innovative solutions. The Rating System will encourage local bodies to improve their waste management practices and promote environmental sustainability. The rating system will be implemented in phases, starting with a pilot project in select local bodies. The success of the pilot project will determine the expansion of the system to other parts of the state. The government is also planning to provide training and support to local bodies to help them meet the criteria for the Green Leaf Rating System. Overall, the Green Leaf Rating System is a significant step towards improving waste management in Kerala and promoting environmental sustainability.

The Okhla waste-to-energy plant in Delhi, initially hailed as an eco-friendly solution to the city's waste management issues, is now under scrutiny for its harmful environmental and health impacts. A five-year investigation by The New York Times revealed that the plant emits toxic pollutants like cadmium, lead, and arsenic, exposing over a million residents to serious health issues. Hazardous ash from the plant is being illegally dumped near residential areas, exacerbating the problem. Residents report increased respiratory illnesses, skin disorders, and other health issues. Despite fines and warnings, the plant continues to operate, raising concerns about regulatory oversight and public safety.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), in partnership with Kabadiwalla Connect Private Limited, has launched a skill training manual for ragpickers in Chennai's Adyar and Perungudi zones. The initiative aims to enhance their waste management knowledge, health and safety protocols, and income potential. Around 100 ragpickers attended the session, which was inaugurated by TNPCB officials. The training manual provides essential information on waste management systems, health and safety protocols, and income-enhancing techniques1. Swathi Lakshmi R, research manager at Kabadiwalla Connect Pvt Ltd, emphasized the crucial role of ragpickers in keeping the city clean and the importance of addressing their daily challenges.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has proposed a new user fee system for waste disposal, set to be introduced in the 2025-26 financial year with a fee ranging from ₹20 to ₹400 per month based on the built-up area of homes. The fee will be added as a separate component in the property tax bill and will generate an additional ₹600 crore annually to improve waste management services in the city. For bulk waste generators, the fee will be ₹12 per kg, with a 50% rebate for those who adopt in-situ composting methods. This encourages larger waste producers to manage their waste more sustainably. The proposal is currently awaiting government approval and while it is seen as a necessary step, some critics argue that it may place an additional financial burden on residents. The BBMP is hoping that the new fee system will lead to better waste segregation, collection, and disposal practices, ultimately making Bengaluru a cleaner and more sustainable city. The plan underscores the city's ongoing efforts to tackle its waste management challenges.

The Haryana government announced the establishment of liquid waste management units in 122 villages of Bhiwani district during a meeting of the District-Level Swachh Bharat Mission Management Committee. The project, estimated to cost ₹29 crore, aims to enhance waste management practices and promote environmental sustainability in the region. The initiative is part of the broader Swachh Bharat Mission, which has already categorized 101 villages in the district as Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus, indicating effective solid and liquid waste management. The new units will ensure that sewage is properly treated and disposed of in designated sewage treatment plants (STPs)1. Strict action will be taken against any license-holder found dumping sewage outside the designated STPs. Additionally, the committee approved the establishment of a plastic waste management unit in Tosham to collect and process plastic waste.

The Dehradun district administration is introducing QR codes on streetlights and garbage vulnerable points (GVPs) to streamline public complaints about littering and broken lights. District magistrate Savin Bansal has directed the Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) to create a database of streetlights and GVPs. Residents can scan the QR codes to file complaints, which will be directly received at the corporation's call centre for prompt action. This initiative aims to ease the complaint process and improve sanitation in the city. Over 12,000 LED lights have already been repaired, and the DMC has acted against agencies responsible for equipment upkeep and garbage collection.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has launched an innovative door-to-door garbage collection drive to promote cleanliness and sustainability on campus. Coordinated by the Sanitary and Support Services (SSS) unit, the initiative aims to efficiently manage solid waste across all residential areas, hostels, and academic/administrative buildings. The drive encourages systematic waste segregation at the source, with residents and office heads using three designated bins: green for biodegradable waste, blue for non-biodegradable materials, and red for hazardous waste. BHU Vice Chancellor Prof. Sudhir K Jain emphasized the importance of cleanliness and collective responsibility, stating that the university's efforts reflect its values. The initiative aligns with the principles of 'Swabhav Swachhata - Sanskar Swachhata,' fostering responsible waste disposal practices among community members.

The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has allocated ₹93 crore for solid and liquid waste management following directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT). This funding aims to ensure compliance with environmental sustainability standards. The Municipal Corporation will share progress reports with senior UT administration officers and the NGT. The funds are part of a larger ₹282 crore previously ring-fenced for waste management, of which ₹189 crore has already been spent on various projects. The municipal commissioner will oversee the allocation and utilization of these funds, with all transactions requiring approval from the UT adviser.

Aandhi, a small village in Jaipur district, Rajasthan, is pioneering a zero-waste model through innovative green technology interventions. The village aims to convert various waste types, including food waste, agricultural waste, wastewater, and hospital waste, into valuable resources2. The initiative includes an Organic Waste Bio-Methanation Plant, Vermifiltration Technology, Constructed Wetlands, and a Resource Recovery Centre. These facilities, installed at key locations like a government school, community health centre, and the village pond, process waste, produce renewable energy, and restore the local environment1. The project aligns with India's broader goals of environmental sustainability and climate resilience, showcasing the transformative power of green technology in rural communities.

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report highlights significant flaws in India's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for plastic waste management. The report reveals that over 700,000 fake recycling certificates were generated by plastic recyclers, indicating widespread fraud1. This misuse of EPR legislation undermines the credibility of the system and makes it difficult to accurately track plastic waste management. The report also points out that major polluters have low enrolment in the EPR system, and there is underreporting of waste generation2. The CSE suggests critical interventions to make the EPR system more robust and uphold the "polluter pays" principle effectively.

IFAT India 2024, held from October 16-18 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, set a new benchmark for water and waste management solutions. The event saw over 17,184 visitors and 488 exhibitors from 25 countries, reflecting the growing urgency of environmental challenges in India. With a 15% increase in international exhibitors, the fair highlighted advanced technologies, and sustainable solutions for urbanization issues like clean water demand, efficient waste management, and pollution control. Key product launches included Veolia's ZW1500 XT membrane and Fornnax's SR-MAX2500 shredder. The event also featured special zones like the WASH Innovation Hub and the ULB Pavilion, fostering collaboration and innovation among industry experts, policymakers, and innovators.