18 tonnes of daily waste in Lakshadweep, 1,925 MT backlog reported

In a recent affidavit to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Lakshadweep administration detailed its efforts to manage solid and liquid waste across the islands. The affidavit, covering April 1 to September 30, 2024, detailed the handling of 18 tonnes of daily waste, including 12 tonnes of non-biodegradable and 6 tonnes of biodegradable kitchen waste. Despite efforts, a backlog of 1,925 metric tonnes (MT) of non-biodegradable waste remains due to limited incineration capacity.

The administration established a High-Level Monitoring Committee (HLMC) to oversee waste management and environmental issues. The islands generate around 18 tonnes of solid waste daily, with 12 tonnes of non-biodegradable materials and 6 tonnes of kitchen waste.

Residents are encouraged to handle kitchen waste at the household level, using it as feed for local livestock like cattle, goats, and poultry. The Department of Panchayat held meetings in May 2024 to discuss the consumption of kitchen waste by animals, involving key stakeholders from Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Science and Technology departments.

2023-24 Department of Animal Husbandry statistics indicate a significant livestock population on the islands, including 620 cattle, 22,680 goats, and 83,410 poultry. The combined daily feed requirement for these animals is estimated at 10.64 metric tonnes (MT).

To enhance waste management, the Department of Science and Technology has installed 35 biogas plants on Kavaratti, Minicoy, and Kalpeni islands. These plants process up to 269.5 kg of kitchen waste daily, reducing overall waste volume.

Despite efforts, the affidavit highlights a significant backlog in incinerating non-biodegradable waste. Two municipal solid waste incinerators, each with a capacity of 100 kg per hour, were installed in Kavaratti and Agatti during 2019-2020. However, due to the limited capacity, a backlog of 1,925 MT of non-biodegradable waste has accumulated, posing ongoing challenges for the island's waste management systems.

In Lakshadweep, all households, commercial, and government establishments have septic tanks and soak pits for faecal waste, and separate soak pits for non-faecal wastewater. The Union Territory has deployed 1,618 bio-digesters across Andrott, Kavaratti, and Bitra to manage liquid waste effectively.

The report was prepared per the NGT’s May 14, 2019, order for regular progress updates. The current report complies with the NGT’s April 23, 2024, directives for improved environmental management across Lakshadweep.

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