Waste Management
There are currently no waste management systems in place in Devikulam or in the neighbouring village of Nadukuppam. Waste is normally dumped behind people’s houses, and like many other populated areas in India, garbage litters the landscape throughout the village. During the 2007 World Environment Cleaning Day, groups of young boys and girls in 3 different nearby villages spent the day cleaning up the rubbish in their village to raise awareness of the waste problem. Despite campaigns being held throughout India a long term solution is still desperately needed. Pitchandikulam has been involved in a solid waste management program with the east west foundation of India in Kadapakkam, a village approximately 22 km away from Devikulam. At the Kadapakkam’s solid waste management site 3 staff members sort waste and recycling materials.
Pitchandikulam Forest is interested in developing a cost effective waste management system within the community or to develop a method of transporting solid waste to the village of Kadapakkam. It would be ideal to have a waste management systems that integrate waste reduction, re-use and recycling strategies with livelihood and energy generation. It is recognised that many waste streams can be reused or modified to become a valuable product.
Additional Resources