Phase IFoundation
Background
Overview
UPSC frequently examines environmental pollution, waste management challenges, and their socio-economic implications in India. Open waste burning is a persistent problem with direct impacts on public health and environmental quality, reflecting governance gaps in urban services and requiring comprehensive policy interventions.
Open waste burning refers to the uncontrolled combustion of solid waste in open areas, often at dumpsites or residential locations, leading to the release of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. It is a significant contributor to localized air pollution, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas, and is often linked to inadequate waste management infrastructure and socio-economic factors.