Evaluation of Sanitary Waste Disposal Frameworks in India

International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

© 2023 by SSRG - IJHSS Journal

Volume 10 Issue 5

Year of Publication : 2023

Authors : Akshita Poddar

10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V10I5P108

How to Cite?

Akshita Poddar, "Evaluation of Sanitary Waste Disposal Frameworks in India," SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, vol. 10,  no. 5, pp. 56-65, 2023. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V10I5P108

Abstract:

Sanitary waste disposal has long been neglected and not given the importance it deserves. According to a government study, Around 12.3 billion sanitary napkins, amounting to 113,000 tonnes of waste, reach India’s landfills annually. Several parts of India still use outdated disposal methods that not only have harmful impacts on the environment but also young women and girls. This makes it an issue of utmost importance. The nuances of the disposal practices were researched. The study aims to look into the root causes of poor sanitary waste management in India, analyze existing solutions in the form of policies for the same, and make observations about the various legal frameworks and guidelines in place across India. Furthermore, recommendations for stronger sanitary waste disposal frameworks have been provided in the paper, providing policies for Menstrual Hygiene Management [MHM] awareness programs, research, coordination, and government efforts. The lack of existing material and research on this issue makes it of utmost importance to research. Provisions were made to ensure that the information was largely unbiased and provided a multitude of perspectives. While several measures by the Indian government formalize sanitary waste disposal, the lack of awareness, source segregation, and enforcement of these guidelines make it an immense issue in India. This paper solidifies the strengths and weaknesses of pre-existing frameworks while also providing further solutions for the same, which will ultimately lead to stronger frameworks that have greater success in the field of sanitary waste management.

Keywords:

Menstrual hygiene, Period poverty, Public policy, Sanitary waste disposal, Sustainability.

References:

[1] Sanitary Waste Management in India: Challenges and Agenda. [Online]. Available: https://www.cseindia.org/sanitary-waste-management-in-india-challenges-and-agenda-11282
[2] Menstrual Hygiene Management Policy: 2019-2030, Health and Education Resource Centre. [Online]. Available: https://healtheducationresources.unesco.org/library/documents/menstrual-hygiene-management-policy-2019-2030
[3] MHH-Web-Dialogues-2019-2020, MHDay. [Online]. Available: menstrualhygieneday.org/resources-on-mhm/mhh-web-dialogues-2019-2020/
[4] M. Kjellén et al., Global Review of Sanitation System Trends and Interactions with Menstrual Management Practices, SEI, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.sei.org/publications/global-review-of-sanitation-system-trends-and-interactions-with-menstrual-management-practices/
[5] We Change Lives, Water Aid Global. [Online]. Available: https://www.wateraid.org/
[6] Ketaki Desai, Why Sanitary Pad Waste is a Bloody Big Problem, The Times of India, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/why-sanitary-pad-waste-is-a-bloody-big-problem/articleshow/104077495.cms?from=mdr
[7] Green Innovation in Action: Waste management, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www3.wipo.int/wipogreen/en/news/2020/news_0015.html
[8] Yesha Kotak, 45% Menstrual Waste in India Disposed of With Routine Waste, Data Shows, Hindustan Times, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/45-menstrual-waste-in-india-disposed-of-with-routine-waste-data-shows/story-c9VAHWxMsXMrZWXDcIk7wL.html
[9] Anugrah Charan, "A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge and Attitude of Adolescent Girls Regarding Menstrual Hygiene Management," SSRG International Journal of Nursing and Health Science, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 1- 6, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Publisher Link]
[10] Omer Abdalla Abuelzein, "Hygienic Private Sewage Disposal System in Saudi Arabia," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 7, no. 8, pp. 1-2, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[11] Krishna Kumar Singh, and Rakesh Chandra Vaishya, "Risk Assessment and Health Risk Index Development of Municipal Solid Waste," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 6, no. 5, pp. 30-43, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Publisher Link]