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10 September 2026

Open waste burning in Indian cities

The WRI India study provides empirical data on urban waste management and environmental pollution, which are core themes in GS3 and GS2 regarding public health, urban governance, and socio-economic disparities.

1 min read 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • WRI India study indicates open waste burning in Indian cities triples during winter compared to summer.
  • Winter conditions (lower temperatures, stagnant atmosphere) hinder pollutant dispersion.
  • Study covered 11 Indian cities between 2019 and 2026.
  • Tier 2 cities (population 500,000 to 5 million) recorded the highest total quantity of waste burned.
  • Tier 3 cities recorded the highest frequency of burning incidents at 49.6 per sq km per day.
  • Open waste burning contributes less than 1% of total citywide PM2.5 and PM10 emissions.
  • Despite low citywide contribution, localized exposure is high due to proximity to residential areas and waste dumps.
  • Strong correlation exists between socio-economic status and waste burning; poorer areas experience significantly higher incidence rates.
  • Highest recorded incidence rate was 84 incidents per sq km per day in poorer areas of Tier 2 cities during winter.
  • Disparities in municipal waste collection services are identified as a primary driver for the observed patterns.

Questions

  1. Analyze the correlation between socio-economic disparities and municipal waste management efficiency in Indian cities. How does this impact localized air quality? 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Open waste burning is often overlooked in citywide emission inventories yet poses significant public health risks. Discuss the challenges in managing municipal solid waste in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and suggest policy interventions to mitigate localized pollution. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. According to the WRI India study, which category of Indian cities recorded the highest frequency of open waste burning incidents per square kilometre per day during winter?

  2. What is the estimated contribution of open waste burning to total citywide PM2.5 and PM10 emissions in the cities assessed by the WRI India study?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-09-10/open-waste-burning-in-indian-cities