Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam pioneers sustainable water management through India's first certified Green Municipal Bonds

 Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, Ghaziabad has taken a landmark step in promoting sustainable infrastructure and urban resilience by successfully issuing India’s first Certified Green Municipal Bond, raising ₹150 crore for the development of a cutting-edge Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP).

This isn’t just another infrastructure project—it is a game-changer that reflects Ghaziabad’s commitment to creating a sustainable future for its citizens. The funds have been directed towards the development of an advanced TSTP, a state-of-the-art facility designed to treat and reuse wastewater on an unprecedented scale.

The Green Municipal Bond marked a new chapter in India’s financial landscape, providing a sustainable model for funding urban infrastructure. With support from the Govt. of India and the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh*, this project is more than just a water treatment facility; it is a blueprint for future cities across India to combine financial discipline with environmental responsibility.

At the heart of the initiative lies the Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP), a technological marvel that utilizes advanced Membrane Filtration Technologies including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis (RO). These cutting-edge technologies work together to ensure that treated water meets the highest standards, making it suitable for reuse in industrial processes.

With a treatment capacity of 40 MLD, the TSTP is connected to a sprawling 95 km pipeline network, delivering treated water to over 1,400 industrial units across Ghaziabad. The plant ensures that wastewater no longer goes to waste but is instead transformed into a valuable resource that supports the city's industrial sector, reducing dependency on freshwater sources.

The project’s success lies not only in its technological and environmental achievements but also in its innovative financial structure. The TSTP was developed under the Public-Private Hybrid Annuity Model (PPP-HAM), with 40% municipal funding. This public-private partnership approach helped streamline the project’s implementation while ensuring financial discipline. GNN’s success in raising ₹150 crore through the Green Bond issuance demonstrated investor confidence in the city’s sustainable approach and has brought a new level of financial transparency and discipline to the Urban Local Body (ULB).

GNN also contracted with over 800 firms, to supply 9.5 MLD of tertiary treated water, further establishing the city’s leadership in urban water management. Ghaziabad’s innovative approach didn’t go unnoticed on the global stage. The city was honoured with the Best Municipal Treated Water Reuse Award at the Water Digest World Water Awards 2024-25, a recognition that acknowledges the city's excellence in water conservation, recycling, and sustainable water management.

A team of 22 students and 4 faculty members from West Suffolk College, England, visited the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation as part of an exposure visit. The team explored the TSTP plant and other municipal projects, gaining insights into Ghaziabad’s commitment to smart cities and sustainable development.

With its pioneering efforts in advanced water treatment technologies, innovative financial models, and a commitment to environmental sustainability, Ghaziabad is leading the charge in India's quest for cleaner, smarter, and more resilient cities

The integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into household waste collection marks a transformative step under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U)

 In the pursuit of a cleaner and greener India, the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into household waste collection marks a transformative step under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U). These zero-emission vehicles represent the future of sustainable urban sanitation—reducing air and noise pollution while efficiently managing daily waste. By replacing traditional fuel-powered garbage trucks, EVs not only cut down on carbon emissions but also align perfectly with the mission's goal of Garbage Free Cities. This innovative synergy between clean mobility and solid waste management is paving the way for a more environmentally responsible future.

Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, has embraced an eco-friendly transformation in waste management by deploying over 200 electric autos for door-to-door garbage collection. This initiative, backed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) under the Sustainable Cities Integrated Pilot Approach (SCIAP), replaces conventional diesel-powered trucks with a greener alternative. These electric autos, each equipped with GPS tracking for real-time monitoring, efficiently cover the city's 159.46 square kms. By eliminating the need for over 71,000 litres of diesel annually, the project significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions—an estimated 21,000 tonnes over a decade—helping to combat climate change and enhance air quality. With lower maintenance costs and a longer operational lifespan than traditional garbage trucks, these vehicles offer a cost-effective solution for municipal waste management. Moreover, the initiative generates employment opportunities and improves service reliability, contributing to overall urban sustainability.

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has deployed battery-operated electric rickshaws for waste collection across the city. This initiative not only aligns with the vision of eco-friendly development but also addresses critical urban challenges such as air and noise pollution. By replacing diesel-powered vehicles with E-rickshaws that travel approximately 40 kms daily, the city effectively reduces around 41 tons of carbon emissions each day - amounting to an annual reduction of 15,160 tons. These electric vehicles are specifically designed for door-to-door waste collection from households, commercial spaces, and non-residential areas. Equipped with separate bins for segregating wet, dry, and hazardous waste, the E-rickshaws also promote source-level segregation, instilling environmentally conscious practices among the public and enhancing the efficiency and timeliness of garbage collection. Currently, the GCC operates a robust fleet of 5,478 E-rickshaws, servicing all 15 zones and covering 24,621 streets and over 2.1 million households. This comprehensive system brings multiple advantages: significant environmental gains through zero emissions, reduction in fossil fuel dependency, and lower operation and maintenance costs. The initiative also creates employment for over 6,000 individuals.  The integration of audio systems in the E-rickshaws further helps spread awareness about waste segregation through dedicated songs and public information campaigns.

Indore Municipal Corporation has taken a transformative step toward environmental sustainability and operational efficiency by introducing 100 electric vehicles (e-vehicles) for door-to-door waste collection, replacing traditional diesel-powered trucks. This initiative, focuses on core city areas like Rajwada, helps in reduction annual carbon emissions by approximately 24,918 tons and cut down significantly on fuel and maintenance costs. Equipped with real-time GPS tracking through the Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC), these vehicles will enhance service transparency and monitoring. The switch from diesel vehicles is expected to save the corporation around ₹5.97 crore annually, factoring in fuel, servicing, engine oil, and clutch replacement costs. To power this green fleet sustainably, the corporation has established 20 solar charging stations, each equipped with 10 kW solar panels capable of generating 800–1000 units of green energy daily. These stations can charge 80 to 100 vehicles per day, drastically reducing dependence on conventional electricity sources.

Together, these pioneering efforts by cities like Indore, Guntur, and Chennai illustrate a powerful shift toward cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable urban waste management under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban. By embracing electric mobility, renewable energy, and digital technologies, these cities are not only mitigating environmental impacts but also improving operational efficiency and community well-being.

Indore to set up India’s First PPP Green Waste Processing Plant

 Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, Indore is poised to achieve a major milestone with the launch of India’s first green waste processing plant, developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Indore is all set to make a significant leap towards environmental sustainability with the launch of India’s first PPP-model based green waste processing plant under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban. This groundbreaking initiative, aims to revolutionize the city’s waste management system by converting green waste into valuable resources. This project underscores the city’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in tackling urban waste challenges.

The facility will not only process green waste but also generate revenue, with the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) earning approx. Rs 3,000 per tonne in royalty for supplying wood and branches. Built on a 55,000 square feet land in Bicholi Hapsi, the plant will recycle wood and branches to produce wooden pellets, serving as an alternative to coal and promoting energy conservation.

Branches of large trees will be redirected to the Green Waste Processing Plant at City Forest, where they will be repurposed into valuable products. In addition, green waste generated from the premises of major institutions will be directly collected and sent to the facility, with a fixed fee structure in place. Every day, the bustling city of Indore generates approximately 30 tons of green waste—wood, branches, leaves, and flowers. As the seasons change, especially during autumn, this volume can soar to 60 to 70 tons.

Partnering with the Indore Municipal Corporation, Astronomical Industries Private Limited embarked on an ambitious initiative to transform the city’s green waste into something both sustainable and valuable—a fine sawdust that could be used across a wide array of industries. With a detailed plan in place, the idea is to dry the green waste over a span of three to four months. During this time, the moisture content would decrease by 90%, preparing the material for the next stage. As the months pass by, the green waste, once damp and cumbersome, would become light and brittle, almost ready for transformation. cutting edge machines will then help to break it down into fine dust particles - saw dust. Once an unremarkable byproduct of timber mills, now has a second life, contributing to a sustainable, circular economy.

The saw dust can be transformed into eco-friendly fuel, providing a cleaner alternative to traditional burning methods. It can be used to craft durable packing materials that reduce the need for plastic. Furniture manufacturers find it useful as a composite material, lending strength to products like chairs and tables. Fertilizers made from the sawdust enriches the soil, helping farmers grow healthier crops. And in the food industry, the sawdust can be moulded into disposable plates, offering a biodegradable alternative to plastic and Styrofoam.

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the IMC will play a pivotal role by providing and transporting land and green waste to the plant. Meanwhile, the private company will take on the responsibility of setting up the remaining infrastructure, including sheds, electricity, and water facilities. The private firm will also oversee the complete installation and operation of the plant, ensuring its smooth functioning from start to finish.

Other private firms have set up the Meghdoot and sub-grade plants, spanning an area of 10,000 to 15,000 square feet in Sirpur. These facilities are dedicated to processing garden waste, such as leaves and small twigs, sourced from the municipal corporation. As part of this initiative, composting is also being carried out in specially designed compost pits located within the municipal gardens, further enhancing waste management efforts. Wooden pellets, produced from green waste, are utilized across various industries, including the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), where they serve as an eco-friendly alternative for energy production and other applications.

The goal of this initiative is to efficiently manage green waste, promote environmental sustainability, and create additional revenue streams for the Municipal Corporation. It also plays a crucial role in controlling the Air Quality Index (AQI). By improving waste management practices, this initiative will enhance hygiene, reduce pollution, and curb the unnecessary burning of waste, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.

The project will also provide an alternative source of coal, contributing to AQI control while offering an effective solution for cleanliness and environmental protection. This initiative aligns with the vision of Garbage-Free Cities under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, advancing efforts toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable urban environment.

UPGRADATION OF STPs

 Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) was launched on 25 June 2015 in selected 500 cities (485 cities including 15 merged cities) and towns across the country. The Mission focuses on development of basic infrastructure, in the selected cities and towns, in the sectors of water supply; sewerage and septage management; etc.  Further, AMRUT 2.0 was launched on 01 October 2021 in all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)/ cities, enabling the cities to become 'self-reliant' and 'water secure'. Providing universal coverage of sewerage and septage management in 500 AMRUT cities is one of the major focus areas of AMRUT 2.0.

Under AMRUT, 890 sewerage/ septage management projects worth ₹34,505 crore have been grounded through which 4,447 Million Litre per Day (MLD) sewage treatment capacity (new/augmented) has been created of which 1,437 MLD capacity has been developed for recycle/reuse. 

Under AMRUT 2.0, 592 sewerage/septage projects worth ₹67,607.67 crore have been approved by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) so far. Approved projects cover 6,739 MLD sewage treatment capacity (new/augmentation) of which 2,093 MLD sewage treatment capacity is for recycle/reuse. 

MoHUA has also launched "Jal Hi AMRIT" initiative under AMRUT 2.0 reforms, which aims to incentivize States and Union Territories (UTs) to efficiently manage sewage treatment plants for recyclable treated water meeting environmental standards on sustained basis. The focus of this initiative is to build capacity and incentivizing qualitative improvements in the treated discharge effluent. This initiative is targeted to create opportunities for suitable reuse of water, contributing to the overall goal of water security through increasing water availability under the Mission.

Waste Management

Urban India generates about 55 million tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) annually (Source: Planning Commission Report, 2014). As per a 2009 report of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), per capita waste generation is increasing by about 1.3% annually. It is estimated that 10-25% of the total MSW generated in Indian cities is Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, of which only 5% is recycled and reused. The total quantum of waste from the construction industry was estimated to be around 100 million tonnes per annum in 2018 (NITI Aayog, 2019). According to MoEF&CC, MSW generation is expected to reach 0.45 million tonnes per day (TPD) by 2031, and 1.19 million TPD by 2050. The relationship between solid waste and GHG emissions is well established. GHGs can be avoided through scientific management of waste. The first principle of the integrated waste management hierarchy is reduction of waste generation at source. Therefore, it is essential for cities to prioritise actions for waste reduction and accordingly plan their future waste management operations and infrastructure requirements.

On 2nd October 2014, SBM-U was launched by MoHUA, with the objectives of making the country Open Defecation Free (ODF) and promoting scientific SWM. With this vision, India has embarked on the journey of cleanliness, duly advocating compliance with the SWM Rules 2016, C&D Waste Rules 2016, and the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016, among others. At the time of the launch of SBM-U, 26,000 TPD of waste was being treated, which has been enhanced substantially in the last 6 years of the Mission to approximately 96,000 TPD (as reported by the states/UTs in November 2020). The total waste generated is about 0.15 million TPD. About 98% of the total municipal wards have door-to-door collection, 68% of the total waste generated is processed, and 77% of the total wards practice source segregation. In order to enhance the progress and sustain the achievements, the proposal to continue the Mission under SBM 2.0 is under examination by the government.

Since 2016, in order to create healthy competitiveness and to evaluate the performance of ULBs, the Annual Swachh Survekshan (cleanliness survey) is carried out, under which the ULBs are ranked based on various parameters of cleanliness. In the first round of Swach Survekshan, 73 million-plus cities were evaluated. Similarly in 2017, the survey was conducted among 434 cities. Swachh Survekshan 2018 and 2019 covered 4,203 and 4,237 ULBs respectively. The Swachh Survekshan 2020 covered 4,242 cities, and introduced the concept of ‘Continuous Survekshan’ to ensure that the Mission outcomes are sustained through a continuous quarterly monitoring and verification.

SWM Rules 2016 emphasises on source segregation of waste into three streams (i.e., bio-degradable, non-bio-degradable, and domestic hazardous waste) and proper transportation and treatment of solid waste. The Rules insist that all industrial units, located within 100 km from the refused-derived fuel (RDF) and waste-to- energy plants based on solid waste, shall make arrangements within six months from the date of notification of these Rules to replace at least 5% of their fuel requirement by refused derived fuel so produced. As per the latest amendment to the Electricity Tariff Policy 2006 by the Ministry of Power, it is mandatory for the state electricity distribution companies (Discoms) to purchase all power generated from MSW at the rate determined by the appropriate authority. Further, as per the Policy on Promotion of City Compost, the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers will provide a fixed market development assistance of INR 1,500/metric tonne of city compost for scaling up and consumption of the product. Initially, the marketing and promotion of city compost will be done through the existing fertiliser companies.

Swachhotsav 2023

Swachhotsav 2023 was launched by Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) on International Zero Waste Day (IZWD) 2023. Swachhotsav campaign aims at galvanizing participation and leadership of women to realize the goal of ‘Garbage Free Cities’.  The first IZWD has been jointly facilitated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).  MoHUA said that 1,000 cities are targeted to become 3-star Garbage Free Cities (GFC) by October 2024 under the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban (SBM-U) 2.0.  GFC-Star rating protocol was launched in 2018 under SBM-U 2.0 to encourage a competitive, mission-mode spirit among Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

Key achievements under SBM-U:

✓Urban India has become Open Defecation Free (ODF).

✓ All 4,715 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) completely ODF,

✓ 3,547 ULBs are ODF+ with functional and hygienic community and public toilets and

✓ 1,191 ULBs are ODF++ with complete faecal sludge management.

✓ Waste processing in India has gone up by over four times from 17% in 2014 to 75% today.

About SBM-U 2.0:

✓ It is being implemented as a centrally sponsored scheme by MoHUA and envisages to make all cities ‘Garbage Free’.

✓ It focuses on source segregation of solid waste, utilizing the principles of 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), etc for effective solid waste management.

Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U)

Government of India launched the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) on October 2, 2014 with the objective to scientifically process all the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generated in all the urban areas of the country. To carry forward the progress made, SBM-U 2.0 has been launched on October 1, 2021 for a period of five years, with the vision to achieve “Garbage Free” status through 100% source segregation, door-to-door collection and scientific processing of all fraction of waste, safe disposal in scientific landfill, remediation of all legacy dumpsites by converting into green zones. Out of total waste generated i.e., 1.5 lakh MT/D across cities, a total of 1.14 lakh MT/D (75%) of waste is processed. 

Remediation of legacy waste dumpsite is one of the integral components of SBM-U 2.0. It is envisaged that under SBM U 2.0 all the legacy waste shall be remediated and land will be recovered while achieving the Lakshya Zero dumpsite during the Mission period of 2021-2026.

Solid Waste Management (SWM) component of SBM-U 2.0 allows setting up of waste processing facilities such as Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), transfer stations, composting plants, bio-methanation plants, Refused Derived Fuel (RDF) processing facilities, plastic waste processing facilities, waste to electricity plants, Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste plants, sanitary landfill, mechanized sweeping equipment and Bio-remediation/ capping of all legacy dumpsites in all ULBs.

‘Swachhata Startup Challenge’ was launched on January 27, 2022 in collaboration with Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to promote an enabling environment for development startups and entrepreneurs in the waste management sector. 

Under the “Swachh Technology Challenge” launched on December 6, 2021, all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) conducted the challenge and submitted two best solutions to States followed by identification of maximum three best entries by the States/UTs. The ULBs provide implementation support to the winning solutions startups other than award money and State/City level felicitation.

SBM-U 2.0 Guidelines encourages adoption of locally innovated, cost-effective technology solutions and business models in sanitation and solid waste management by startups, through investment in Research & Design (R&D) and facilitation in Government-e-Market (GeM) portal.