SECTION G: WASTE MANAGEMENT (SOLID & LIQUID)
Excellence in Solid Waste Management for Water Safety
Description: Rewards initiatives where solid waste management contributes directly to water safety by preventing contamination of lakes, rivers, and groundwater sources. Includes segregation, scientific disposal, composting, and landfill management that reduce leachate pollution.
Eligibility:
- Municipal corporations, urban local bodies, NGOs, waste-tech solution providers, private operators.
- Project must be in operation at least 1 year with measurable outcomes.
Judging Criteria (100 points) :
- Innovation in Solid Waste Handling (25)
- Environmental Impact on Water Quality (25)
- Efficiency in Collection/Processing (20)
- Sustainability (20)
- Replication Potential (10)
Notes: Entries must include proof of reduced waterbody pollution, waste diversion data, and compliance reports.
Best Waste-to-Energy Project Linked with Water Utility
Description: Recognizes projects where waste-to-energy plants contribute to sustainability of water/wastewater utilities (e.g., using sewage sludge, solid waste, or biogas to generate energy for treatment plants).
Eligibility:
- Utilities, industries, waste management companies, PPP models.
- Must demonstrate grid power savings or renewable energy contribution.
Judging Criteria:
- Innovation in Waste-to-Energy Conversion (30)
- Power Generated / % Offset for Utility (25)
- Sustainability & Carbon Reduction (20)
- Economic Viability (15)
- Replicability in Other Cities (10)
Notes: Entrants must submit performance data (kWh generated, % dependency reduced).
Innovation in Sludge Treatment & Resource Recovery
Description: Honors pioneering projects that treat sludge/biosolids in an innovative way while recovering useful resources (fertilizers, biogas, construction material additives).
Eligibility:
- Water/wastewater utilities, technology providers, start-ups, industries.
- Solutions must demonstrate working pilots or scaled projects.
Judging Criteria:
- Technological Innovation (30)
- Efficiency in Treatment & Recovery (25)
- Environmental Benefit (20)
- Sustainability of Process (15)
- Market Linkages / Adoption Potential (10)
Notes: Data on sludge volume treated and recovered product usability to be provided.
Plastic Waste Solution Ensuring Safe Water Systems
Description: Recognizes novel initiatives addressing plastic waste collection, recycling, or elimination from water bodies and drainage systems. Ensures better urban water safety, prevents flooding, and preserves ecosystems.
Eligibility:
- NGOs, municipalities, industries, start-ups, community groups.
- Must focus on plastic waste-water safety linkage and provide measurable outcomes.
Judging Criteria:
- Innovation in Collection/Recycling/Reduction (25)
- Impact on Water Systems Safety (25)
- Social & Environmental Benefits (20)
- Sustainability & Long-Term Impact (15)
- Replicability Potential (15)
Notes: Must provide evidence of plastic waste diverted (tons), cleared waterways, or restored ecosystems.
Zero Waste Cities – Integrated Solid & Liquid Waste
Description: Salutes cities that adopt holistic, integrated waste management (both solid and liquid) to achieve “Zero Waste to Landfill” vision. Demonstrates circular economy, reducing environmental pollution and improving urban water health.
Eligibility:
- Cities, ULBs, Smart City initiatives, PPP-driven utilities.
- Must present city-wide implementation data.
Judging Criteria:
- Integration of Solid + Liquid Waste Management (25)
- Coverage & Population Served (25)
- Sustainability of Programs (20)
- Innovations / Best Practices (20)
- Demonstrated Impact (10)
Notes:Supporting data required — waste generation vs treated percentages, water quality improvements.