ISLAMABAD: Despite Pakistan being a signatory to the Paris climate change agreement, the management of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) seems hellbent on undermining its environmental commitments through ineffective solid and organic waste management mechanisms.
In contrast to its ‘green city’ image, the capital territory—spanning an area of 906 square kilometres with a total green cover of 9.1 per cent—still relies on temporary dumping yards for its solid waste disposal, as the authorities concerned have failed to put in place an up-to-scratch system for managing organic waste.
The municipal manager of the city—Capital Development Authority (CDA)—appears to be turning a blind eye to modern strategies for transforming organic waste into an asset rather than allowing it to remain a liability, which significantly contributes to winter smog.
The capital city is blessed with lush green foliage that creates a breathtaking view during spring. However, when autumn rolls around, the shedding of leaves in autumn poses environmental hazards.
The fallen leaves litter the streets until they are eventually swept and gathered by the CDA staff. In some cases, the dried leaves go up in smoke, contributing to smog and further polluting the city’s environment.
The municipal manager of the city—Capital Development Authority (CDA)—appears to be turning a blind eye to modern strategies for transforming organic waste into an asset rather than allowing it to remain a liability, which significantly contributes to winter smog.
Singapore is a prime example of effective solid waste management, relying on waste-to-energy incineration. In Singapore, most of the waste is burnt to generate electricity with a strong emphasis on waste minimisation on the source.
Growing waste crisis
On the other hand, tonnes of vegetables and fruits are traded daily at the Fruit and Vegetable Wholesale Market Islamabad, located in sector I-11/4.
It is a common occurrence for a significant amount of waste to be left behind after each trading session. The waste is dumped near the market, effectively turning the area into a dumping ground managed by the CDA.
Experts and stakeholders suggest that instead of contributing to environmental hazards, this organic waste could be put to good use by producing organic fertiliser, which would help improve soil fertility.
According to Rafiul Haq—a Karachi-based botanist and environment expert—dead leaves should ideally be used to produce leaf compost, which would naturally decompose into organic manure over time.
“However, you know it better about the vision of those who are at the helm of the affairs when it comes to handling such matters,” he says, adding that leaf composting is one of the best bio-fertilisers, enriching the soil naturally.
Haq, formerly associated with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), argues that the burning of dry leaves is often carried out by the relevant staff as a mean to keep the cold at bay during the chilly weather.
Dead leaves should ideally be used to produce leaf compost, which would naturally decompose into organic manure over time – Rafiul Haq, environment expert.
He explains that the smoke produced from burning leaves chokes the air, intensifying fog conditions. “Actually, smog is the combination of smoke and fog,” he states.
According to him, the authorities managing the CDA introduced Australian mulberry in the capital city in the 1960s and have continued to defend its presence, “which contributes to health issues, particularly for citizens suffering from pollen allergies.
“The technical perspective on the matter is that high-quality leaf compost can be produced by reusing or recycling dead leaves, which would not only be eco-friendly but also enhance soil fertility.”
Untapped potential
On the other hand, the General Secretary Fruit Association, Tahir Ayub tells WE News English that the accumulation and dumping of organic and other waste near the wholesale market is not just negligence “but a crime.”
“There are various ways and means to make use of the organic waste generated by the wholesale market. Industrialists and farmers frequently reach out to us so, expressing interest in using it as organic fertiliser. However, taking meaningful action requires efforts, including motivating the stakeholders.”
In response to the question of why organic waste is not sold to industrialists and farmers despite their interest, Ayub explains that individual efforts alone would not be sufficient to resolve the issue.
Meaningful action requires the involvement of the CDA and the Market Committee, as only they can take the necessary steps to address the problem on a larger scale.
There are various ways and means to make use of the organic waste generated by the wholesale market. Industrialists and farmers frequently reach out to us so, expressing interest in using it as organic fertiliser. However, taking meaningful action requires efforts, including motivating the stakeholders – Tahir Ayub, General Secretary Fruit Association.
In principle, he adds, the CDA is responsible for the removal of solid and organic waste. However, instead of properly managing it, it has been sweeping the problem under the rug by dumping Islamabad’s garbage near Sabzi Mandi.
He said most of the landfill sites are situated outside the cities, but Islamabad lacks proper landfill sites for dumping solid and organic waste.
When contacted for the official version of the issue, CDA Director Public Relations Shahid Kiani requested the names of locations along with the photographs of the affected areas.
This scribe provided him with the required details, and upon following up the next day, Kiani claimed that the necessary action had been taken.
However, when pressed for a detailed version, he washed his hands of it, stating, “The garbage has already been removed and there is no need for any further comment.”
Paris climate agreement
In December 2016, 194 members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) signed the Paris Agreement, an international treaty aimed at addressing the causes of climate change.
Complying with the Paris Agreement needs waste management methods including compositing, minimising waste, recycling it and others.
All these measures are required to reduce emissions from waste to control climate change effectively.
Poor waste management opens a Pandora’s box of consequences including environmental dilapidation, soil and air pollution, water contamination and many others.
Since the capital territory lacks a proper landfill site for both solid and organic waste, the waste is generally dumped in open spaces, adding fuel to the fire by contributing to pollution and smog.
