Innovative Partnership: CSIR-IITR and LMC join forces to tackle waste woes in Lucknow

The Lucknow Municipal Corporation, known for its initiatives in waste management, has now received support from CSIR-IITR. The CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR) has offered to assess the ecological impact of treating 20 lakh tonnes of waste at the Shivri waste management site in Lucknow.

A proposal in this regard has been submitted to the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC). The plan involves the integration of chemical profiling, bio-remediation, and toxicological assessments, employing advanced techniques.

The project aims to analyze waste for harmful substances both before and after processing, while also assessing the impact of air pollution through quarterly sampling and advanced modeling.

Wastewater, groundwater and bio-soil will undergo thorough analysis to gauge pollution levels. The team plans to expedite the natural breakdown process of waste and evaluate its safety post-treatment by studying its effects on earthworms and zebrafish.

Expected results include a deeper understanding and better management of air pollutants, ensuring the safety of treated waste, revitalizing the site for enhanced utilization, and safeguarding the health of workers and nearby communities.

This initiative addresses environmental, health and economic concerns in legacy waste management. If approved, this effort could serve as a blueprint for sustainable waste management practices in urban areas. The Shivri Plant, located 25 km outside the city limits, is one of Lucknow's major waste treatment facilities. And it often encounters waste management woes. If approved, the IITR project holds the potential to offer a significant solution to the LMC for improving urban waste management.