Scientific waste management systems are being implemented in the state, says Deputy CM

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said solid waste management is no longer limited to garbage collection but is directly linked to climate response, environmental sustainability, circular economy, job creation and economic productivity.

He said that the recently introduced Solid Waste Management Rules – 2026 by the central government are bringing transformational changes in waste management in the country. He was speaking at a national review meeting on Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0 organized by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in New Delhi on Tuesday.

He explained the scientific waste management systems, sustainable urban development initiatives, sanitation programs and circular economy measures being implemented in Telangana. The Government of Telangana has been working towards building a sustainable, inclusive and environmentally responsible future in line with the Telangana Vision – 2047. The state has followed the development framework of CURE, PURE and RARE and has given equal importance to the balanced growth of major urban regions, peri-urban regions and rural agricultural regions.

The new rules for waste management focus not only on conventional waste collection and disposal, but also on sorting at source, decentralized waste processing, waste-to-energy production and public participation. Telangana had initiated several reforms before these rules formally came into effect, he said.

The state government was rolling out 9,596 electric Swachh Auto tippers in major urban areas. These electric vehicles would help reduce carbon emissions from municipal operations and promote cleaner transportation systems. The vehicles have been designed with separate compartments to facilitate four-way source segregation and QR code-based monitoring for efficient door-to-door waste collection.

Telangana favored decentralized and distributed waste management systems. Wet waste was treated closer to the source, while dry waste was scientifically separated and channeled into recycling and circular economy systems, minimizing the volume of waste going to landfill.

The government has been setting up decentralized wet waste treatment centers for scientific treatment of waste at the local level to minimize transportation costs. This would also improve the quality of the RDF (refuse fuel) supplied to the waste-to-energy facility.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that scientific remediation of old landfills is a priority for the Telangana government and IIT Mumbai has been sought for technical assistance and advisory support regarding the Jawaharnagar landfill in Hyderabad. The goal was not just a cosmetic intervention, but the creation of a long-term system of environmental management and ongoing monitoring.

He urged the central government to provide financial support to the states to implement waste-to-energy, recycling and circular economy projects. The Center has been asked to positively consider viability gap funding for setting up modern infrastructure and scientific units for waste treatment.

Published – 19 May 2026 20:29 IST