India’s growing waste crisis is often discussed in the context of metropolitan cities, but the situation in small and hilly districts remains largely invisible. During my summer internship on Waste Management in Rural and Urban Areas, conducted under the Department of Economics, SKC Government Degree College, Poonch, I collected both primary and secondary data to study local waste-disposal practices. The findings from Poonch district reflect a much wider national problem, particularly in small towns and rural regions.
Despite several government initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, waste management on the ground remains weak. Field observations and interactions with local residents revealed that lack of awareness continues to be a major challenge. Many households are still unaware of proper waste segregation, and open dumping remains a common practice. In several locations, waste was found dumped within 50 metres of residential areas, roadsides, and even near riverbanks.
One of the most alarming practices observed was open burning of waste, especially plastic and mixed household garbage. This not only pollutes the air but also poses serious health risks. In both rural and urban parts of Poonch, people often burn waste due to the absence of regular municipal collection or designated disposal sites. Such practices contribute to respiratory diseases, skin infections, and long-term environmental damage.
Urban areas, though better connected, face a different set of problems. Waste is frequently thrown into open drains, leading to severe drainage blockages. During the monsoon season, these blocked drains cause water overflow and flooding in city areas. Similar conditions have been reported in many other small towns across India, where poor drainage systems combine with unmanaged waste to worsen urban flooding.
Rural areas are even more vulnerable. Many villages lack basic sanitation facilities, and waste is often buried in fields or thrown into nearby open land. Plastic bags and other non-biodegradable materials remain in the soil for years, reducing soil fertility and harming agricultural productivity. Open defecation, though reduced in some regions, still persists in several rural pockets, further contaminating land and water sources.
These conditions are not unique to Poonch. Across India’s hilly and remote districts, waste management systems struggle due to limited infrastructure, poor monitoring, and weak institutional capacity. Municipal visits to rural areas are infrequent, and door-to-door waste collection is often absent outside town centres.
The solution lies in strengthening both awareness and administration. Waste segregation at source must become a daily habit in both rural and urban households. Recycling systems should be developed at the district level so that plastic and other reusable materials are properly processed. Municipal bodies need greater manpower and funding to ensure regular waste collection, especially in villages that are currently ignored.
Employment generation within municipal sanitation departments can play a crucial role. More workers mean better collection, monitoring, and maintenance of drainage systems. At the same time, waste-disposal sites must be scientifically planned so that no harm is caused to water bodies, agricultural land, or living beings.
A clean environment is not merely an aesthetic goal; it is essential for public health and human dignity. Reducing pollution and improving sanitation can significantly lower the disease burden faced by ordinary citizens. Balanced waste management practices can help people live healthier, safer, and more dignified lives.
The lessons from Poonch clearly show that addressing waste management in small towns and rural India is urgent. Without serious attention to awareness, infrastructure, and governance, environmental degradation will continue to affect everyday life. Cleanliness is not just a government responsibility — it is a shared duty that determines the quality of life for present and future generations.
The writer is a student of Economics at, SKC, GDC Poonch