Managing unprocessed solid waste in Islamabad’s Barakahu

A neighbourhood provides a case study for everywhere of that is disposed of in ubiquitous open dumping sites. participate in such projects, how much the authorities are concerned about the issues and also the depth of their implications on the residents. electronic media such as TV commercials, advertisements on social media and ringtones can serve as a beneficial and efficient source for raising awareness among the residents of the area. Also, cautionary ads should be run on TVs and social media for example regarding the burning of household waste in open areas being fined, and dumping of hazardous chemicals or waste in open water reservoirs should be prohibited and people should be reminded that they would bear the consequences if caught doing such acts.

Bara Kahu is in Islamabad’s fourth peripheral zone. According to local municipal authorities, its population is 450,000, mainly in unplanned residential areas. It is continuously expanding in population and infrastructure, posing serious administrative challenges. CDA estimates approximately 6 to 8 tons of solid waste being produced by Barakahu per daily.

Barakahu lacks systematic coordination between the local Union Councils, responsible for the primary waste collection and CDA, responsible for the secondary collection. Thus the dwellers have no choice but to dispose of their domestic waste in open dumping sites or nearby passing nullahs, or to burn it.

Men, women and children should be trained and guided according to their specified role that they can play in managing solid waste at personal and community level.The 5 Rs strategy should be advertised and marketed through posters and commercials.

Environmental security is one of the most under emphasixed topics of the non-traditional security concerns the world is facing now. Particularly for developing countries like Pakistan, that lack both resources and effective administration to tackle the challenges. Among these long-standing issues is the rising challenge of managing solid waste, of which the country produces approximately 50 million tons annually with a 2.4 percent increase.

Barakahu, a suburb of Islamabad provides a case study. According to reports, Barakahu alone produces six to right tons of solid waste daily. Previously in 2020, CDA tried to clean its streets but it was not sustainable.

According to an international solid waste association report, municipal waste is the second largest component of global solid waste. In less developed countries like Pakistan the mechanism of waste collection is not according to international safety and hygiene standards. The solid waste situation in Asia is alarming and needs prudent handling. Of the 50 largest dumping sites, 17 are in Asia, two in Pakistan.

Unplanned urbanization is a key cause. According to a Pakistan environmental Protection Agency report, of the 37.9 percent of urban population, 2530 live in scattered settlements with no proper water and sanitation infrastructure. According to an estimate by the Climate Change Ministry, Pakistan produces 71,000 tonnes of solid waste daily.

Pakistan is confronted with serious environmental challenges, and has the least support in the fight against climate change Strong economic growth and contributing industrialisation has led to an uncontrolled increase in solid waste production. The country generates about 20,000,000 tonnes of solid waste yearly, increasing at over two percent annually. Much is burned or dumped in open air landfills creating serious environment and public health risks.

Among the various reasons for the persistence of environmental catastrophes, unprocessed solid waste is at the top. Research shows that only 60 percent is collected from major cities in Pakistan. and 90 percent