Context: The Haryana Government has planned an IoT-based waste management system for high-footfall pilgrimage sites, religious places, fairs and festivals.
About Haryana plans IoT-based waste management:
What it is?
- A technology-driven solid waste management system that combines IoT-enabled smart bins, four-stream waste segregation, geo-tagging and real-time monitoring to manage waste at high-footfall religious and pilgrimage sites.
Aim: To ensure scientific waste segregation, collection and disposal, prevent littering and improve cleanliness at pilgrimage sites, particularly during periods of high visitor footfall.
Key Features:
- IoT-Enabled Smart Bins: Sensor-equipped bins will provide real-time fill-level data and automatically open their lids, enabling timely waste collection.
- Four-Stream Segregation: Sites will have dedicated four-stream waste stations, with covered storage facilities for systematic segregation and handling.
- 500-Metre Clean Zone: No open waste collection points will be permitted within a 500-metre buffer, covering approach roads, parking areas and vendor zones.
- Waste Audits & Geo-Tagging: A minimum seven-day waste audit will assess waste generation, while littering hotspots will be geo-tagged for targeted intervention.
- Bulk Waste Generator Regulation: Bhandaras, hotels, dharamshalas, prasad and flower shops within the buffer will be registered as bulk waste generators with CPCB.
Significance:
- Integrates IoT, real-time data and site-specific planning into municipal waste management, improving monitoring and operational efficiency.
- Helps manage waste generated by large and fluctuating crowds, reducing littering and environmental stress around religious sites.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus
- GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions; local governance; e-governance and technology-enabled public service delivery.
- GS Paper III: Environmental pollution and degradation; solid waste management; application of IoT and technology in environmental governance.
