Survey in Bhopal, one of India’s cleanest cities, highlights gaps, identifies areas of improvement

Solid waste management (SWM) is a crucial issue facing cities worldwide. Residents’ behaviour towards waste collection plays a crucial role in the success of any waste management system. 

Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is known for its cleanliness and is deemed one of the cleanest capitals in India. However, our recent study, focusing on residents’ awareness, perception, behaviour and readiness towards SWM in the city established that solid waste management continues to pose major challenges. The results shed light on the existing gaps and offer valuable insights for optimising the SWM system in of the city. 

A household-level questionnaire was applied to collect information from 186 respondents. A systematic sampling technique was followed to guarantee a representative sample. The study adopted a mixed techniques approach, combining surveys and interviews to collect data from residents and key stakeholders involved in SWM.

The findings of the study showed that the population needs to be more aware of SWM.​ Only 52.15 per cent of respondents said they had knowledge about the general idea of ​​SWM.​ 

Further, the level of awareness was lower when asked about specific aspects of waste management such as segregation, reuse, reduction and recycling. While 77.96 per cent of respondents were aware of segregation, awareness of reuse and reduction was comparatively lower at 27.42 per cent and 43.55 per cent, respectively. This highlighted the need for targeted awareness campaigns to educate residents about the importance of these practices.

The residents’ perception towards the current SWM system in Bhopal City was mixed.​ While 44.09 per cent of the respondents expressed satisfaction with the system, 39.25 per cent said they were dissatisfied.​ 

The study also identified key problem areas including government negligence, irregular sanitation work and poor consumption habits. These findings highlighted the need for improved governance, regular hygiene practices and awareness of responsible consumption among residents.

Citizen’s behaviour 

The study found that 50 per cent of respondents separated their waste regularly, while other reasons such as lack of time and separate collection systems acted as barriers to regular waste separation. 

The frequency of garbage collection and the availability of door-to-door collection systems were also important factors influencing residents’ behavior. The study highlighted the need for efficient waste collection systems and improved communication between residents and local administration. ​

Moreover, the study found that 65.05 per cent of respondents were willing to pay an additional amount for improving the existing SWM system.​ The most preferred changes included separate collection through different bins and containers, higher collection frequency, proper waste disposal and better management of landfills. 

In addition, the majority of residents were also willing to pay for decentralised waste treatment and disposal at the ward level. These results suggested that residents are willing to support and invest in a more efficient and sustainable SWM system.

The results highlighted the need for targeted awareness campaigns, improved governance, efficient waste collection systems and better communication between residents and the local administration. 

Interestingly, awareness and behavior showed a positive association with willingness to pay for waste disposal in Bhopal. By addressing these areas, the city can work to improve its SWM system and create a cleaner and more sustainable environment for its residents. ​​

Rahul Wadghane is faculty, Symbiosis Institute of Operation Management, Nasik, Maharashtra. He also authored the study along with Omprakash Madguni, assistant professor at Indian Institute of Forest Management. Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth.