NGOs/CBOs in solid waste management in Hyderabad (India)

Population increase and migration into the cities have created some of the most serious environmental problems associated with what is often characterised as the ‘brown agenda’. This agenda lists the main shortcomings, such as lack of adequate waste management, lack of safe water and minimal pollution control, often found in the most congested cities. Many of today’s Third World cities are characterised by overcrowded housing, contaminated water, lack of proper sewage, drainage and waste collection, all of which contribute to unhealthy urban areas. Lack of effective waste management services can lead to serious health-hazards for all inhabitants within cities. In more recent years there have been important changes in attitudes among stakeholders such as local government, NGOs/CBOs and citizens in the collection and processing of waste specifically in India. The purpose of this following paper is therefore in light of the WEDC conference topic entitled ‘Sanitation (Solid Waste Management) and Water for all’ which should raise the question how do we provide effective and efficient solid waste management services to ‘all’? This paper highlights one of the key actors in assisting to try to provide SWM services to ‘all’ namely Non-Government and CommunityBased Organisations specifically within the context of India.