ISLAMABAD, Oct 31 : Islamabad faces a mounting waste crisis, with over 600 tons generated daily, 60% of which is either burned or left unmanaged, posing serious environmental and health risks. In response, the Institute of Urbanism (IoU), in partnership with Heinrich Boll Stiftung, convened a town hall titled “Empowered Communities: A Town Hall on Waste Management Responsibilities,” aimed at fostering community-led solutions to tackle this pressing issue.
The event brought together community representatives, policymakers, and officials from the CDA Sanitation Directorate to discuss sustainable waste management practices in areas such as Farash Town and I-10. Dr. Ejaz Ahmad, Senior Program Fellow at IoU, highlighted the national scope of the issue, stating, “Around 48.5 million tons of solid waste is generated annually, with an annual growth rate of 2.4%.” He noted that while major cities are key contributors, only 60-70% of urban waste is collected, and the lack of sanitary landfills and consistent data further exacerbates the issue.
“Waste is responsible for approximately 3% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, causing nearly 5 million waste-related illnesses and deaths annually,” Dr. Ahmad added.
Community Councils in Farash Town and I-10, established by IoU, were highlighted as examples of empowering residents to take an active role in waste management. “Effective waste management is not solely the responsibility of government institutions; it requires commitment from all of us,” said Sardar Khan Zimiri, an officer from CDA. He emphasized that collective community action is essential for creating a sustainable environment.
Participants shared insights into the impact of community involvement. Yaseen Abbasi, a resident of I-10, said, “Our commitment to environmental health must begin with individual and collective efforts. Only through shared responsibility can we make a lasting impact on waste management.” Yasmeen Akhtar from Farash Town echoed this sentiment, calling for an inclusive approach that values community engagement.
The event concluded with a networking session, reinforcing partnerships between community leaders and local authorities. IoU reaffirmed its dedication to working with Community Councils and the CDA to improve waste management in Islamabad, with shared commitments toward a cleaner, sustainable future.