Nagpur, Maharashtra’s second capital, has reported a significant spike in daily garbage collection, climbing from 1,200 metric tonnes (MT) to 1,450 MT within a few months. This surge, recorded in December 2024, highlights the increasing waste generated by the city’s 30 lakh residents, each contributing an average of 483 grams of garbage daily. In response, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has launched intensified sanitation drives to boost its Swachh Sarvekshan rankings.
Waste Management Overhaul
In 2019, NMC replaced its garbage collection contractor, M/s Kanak Resources Management Limited, with AG Enviro and BVG India to improve waste collection. Despite these efforts, Nagpur’s cleanliness ranking dropped drastically—from 27th in 2022 to 86th in 2023. This decline has motivated NMC to enhance waste management practices.
Currently, the two agencies collect and transfer between 1,200 and 1,450 MT of waste daily to the Bhandewadi dumping yard. However, gaps in door-to-door garbage collection have resulted in 341 garbage-prone spots across the city, where residents dump waste. This issue contributed to Nagpur scoring zero in the garbage-free category of the Swachh Bharat survey.
Zone-Wise Garbage Contributions
Data from NMC’s Solid Waste Management Department reveals Lakadganj zone generates the most waste at 182.7 MT daily (12.46% of the city’s total). It is followed by Ashi Nagar with 167.83 MT and Gandhibagh zone, including Mahal and Ganjipeth, contributing 151.64 MT. On the other hand, Dhantoli zone generates the least garbage at 124.47 MT daily, followed by Satranjipura at 127.95 MT.
“The variation in waste generation reflects differences in population density, commercial activities, and waste practices across zones,” explained a senior NMC official.
Challenges and Initiatives
While the NMC has ramped up garbage collection efforts, challenges persist. Approximately 32.85% of waste dumped at the Bhandewadi yard monthly is mixed waste, complicating recycling and disposal. The civic body is urging residents to segregate waste at the source and has intensified awareness campaigns to address the issue.
“Our priority is not just increasing the quantity but also improving the quality of waste management,” said an official from the Solid Waste Management Department. Public campaigns aim to encourage segregation compliance and systematic disposal.