Maharashtra's Waste Crisis: 5,437 Tonnes Processed Daily

Maharashtra faces a daily deficit of 5,437 tonnes in processing its over 26,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste. Collection and transport are near 100%, but infrastructure strains under rapid urbanization. The state aims to resolve this shortfall by December 2027.

Legacy waste remains a major challenge, with 334 dump sites holding over 4.09 crore tonnes. While bio-mining is underway, clearing this backlog is targeted for December 2028. Sewage management also shows a deficit, with a 3,872 MLD treatment gap despite a capacity of 7,399 MLD, due to underutilization and incomplete sewer connectivity.

Concerns have been raised about structural issues, with calls for real-time monitoring systems and stricter enforcement for bulk waste generators. Recommendations include mandatory waste segregation at source and strengthening extended producer responsibility for plastic waste.

The absence of data for Pune and Nashik is a significant concern, as these cities also face mounting waste challenges. Poor waste management impacts the ecology, wildlife, and public health through pollution and contamination, with microplastic ingestion also a growing worry.