The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has planned to convert five of its major disposal stations to solar energy plants. These disposal sites are located at Shadbagh, Sabzazar, Baghbanpura, Farrukhabad, and Shadipura. The estimated cost of this project is Rs 100 million. The project aims to promote renewable energy sources and improve waste management systems.
In Pakistan, roughly 20 million tons of solid waste is generated annually, with an annual growth rate of about 2.4 percent. The solid waste management situation in Pakistan is worsening, causing millions of people to die due to waste-related diseases. The root factors for the aggravating garbage problem in Pakistan are lack of urban planning, outdated infrastructure, lack of public awareness and endemic corruption.
Due to multiple factors contributing to solid waste accumulation, the problem has become so large that it is beyond the capacity of municipalities. To improve solid waste management, the government took an initiative to introduce waste-to-energy plants or solar energy plants. These plants have the potential to convert waste material into energy. It is a more sustainable option than disposing of waste in a landfill. However, the sustainable future of these plants requires proper solid waste management policies. Implementing renewable energy is a great step to improve solid waste management, but it will require more consideration in the disposal of its materials to truly become sustainable.
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