City Generates 45 Tonnes of Footwear Waste Daily
New Delhi: Agra, the city renowned for the Taj Mahal, is facing another environmental crisis. A new report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has revealed that the city’s booming footwear industry is generating massive amounts of waste, posing a significant threat to the local environment.
Agra, which caters to 65% of India’s domestic footwear demand, produces around 0.9 to one million pairs of footwear daily. This massive production scale comes with a price: the city generates about 45 tonnes of footwear waste every day.
The CSE study, released at a stakeholder conference in Agra, highlighted the challenges faced by the city’s municipal corporation in managing this waste. Despite efforts to collect a portion of the waste, much of it ends up littering drains, open spaces, or being burnt.
The report also emphasized the need for sustainable waste management practices in the footwear industry. It recommended several measures, including:
- Improved waste collection and disposal systems
- Financial aid for home-based businesses to adopt sustainable practices
- Awareness campaigns and training programs for manufacturers
- Development of integrated waste management facilities
- Implementation of a “polluter pays” principle
The CSE’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the environmental consequences of rapid industrialization and the urgent need for sustainable practices. As Agra continues to grow, it is imperative that the city and its industries take proactive steps to address the waste crisis and protect the environment for future generations.