India-Norway Partnership for Combating Marine Pollution

Context

India and Norway have forged a strong partnership aimed at combating aquatic pollution, focusing on sustainable waste management and circular economy practices. The collaboration, under the India-Norway Marine Pollution Initiative launched in 2019, has fostered innovative solutions to reduce marine litter and manage waste effectively. Agra, known for its tourism and footwear industry, has benefited significantly from this initiative, improving its waste circularity and addressing its growing waste management challenges.

India-Norway Marine Pollution Initiative

The India-Norway Marine Pollution Initiative is a bilateral agreement between the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) of India and Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It aims to reduce marine litter, promote sustainable waste management, and phase out single-use plastics. Key projects under this initiative include:

• Ocean Plastic Turned into an Opportunity in Circular Economy (OPTOCE): Focuses on using non-recyclable plastic waste as fuel substitution in industries like cement production.
• Capacity Building for Reducing Plastic and Chemical Pollution (INOPOL): Enhances India’s ability to tackle pollution through training and knowledge-sharing.
• Mainstreaming Circular Economy in Waste Management: Promotes recycling and reuse practices.

These projects align with India’s broader environmental goals, such as the Swachh Bharat Mission and Clean Ganga Campaign.

Waste Management Challenges in Agra

Agra generates approximately 45 tonnes of waste daily, largely due to its thriving tourism sector and footwear industry. The city’s waste composition includes 58% wet waste, 29% recyclable dry waste, and 13% hazardous materials. Managing this waste effectively has been challenging due to:

• Lack of formalized processes for smaller industrial units.
• Inefficient segregation and recycling systems.
• Growing landfill sites containing non-recyclable plastic waste.

Impact of India-Norway Collaboration on Agra

The partnership between India and Norway has introduced innovative approaches to improve Agra’s waste circularity. Some notable impacts include:

• A study on circular economy practices: The partnership emphasizes co-processing of non-recyclable plastic waste in cement plants, thus reducing greenhouse gases, preserving natural resources, and minimizing pollution of soil and groundwater. 
• Strengthening Waste Segregation: The Agra Municipal Corporation, with support from OPTOCE and other initiatives, has set up Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), where dry waste is segregated into several categories. The MRFs are capable of handling up to 210 tonnes of waste per day in an efficient recycling manner.
• Improved Wet Waste Management: A scientific disposal plant has been set up for wet waste, employing advanced composting technology originating from the Netherlands. This facility treats wet waste generated from bulk generators such as hotels and residential societies.
• Awareness Campaign: Information education and communication (IEC) campaigns have been carried out in the state to enlighten the citizens with the need for segregation of both wet and dry waste. The response was from the local community as well as informal groups such as rag-pickers.

Key Innovations from Norway

Norway’s expertise in circular economy has played a pivotal role in shaping Agra’s waste management strategies:

• Treatment of Construction & Demolition Waste: Norwegian methods for recycling construction debris have been adopted by Indian industries like L&T Group.
• Co-processing Hazardous Waste: Concentrated hazardous wastes are co-processed effectively in cement plants, reducing environmental risks.

Challenges Ahead

Despite progress, Agra faces several challenges in achieving zero-waste goals:

• Ensuring livelihood security for informal workers involved in waste collection.
• Addressing harmful emissions from co-processing non-recyclable plastics.
• Scaling up cost-effective recycling technologies across all sectors.

Conclusion

The India-Norway collaboration has significantly contributed to improving Agra’s waste circularity by introducing sustainable practices and leveraging Norwegian expertise in circular economy approaches. While challenges remain, the partnership sets a strong foundation for achieving long-term environmental goals in Agra and beyond. This model of international cooperation serves as an example for other cities struggling with aquatic pollution and waste management issues.

Source: DTE

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. Consider the following statements regarding marine pollution:

1. Most of the marine pollution originates from land-based sources.
2. Oil spills are the leading cause of marine pollution globally.
3. Microplastics can enter the marine food chain and affect human health.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Download as PDF