ASE July 2025

94

• True solutions require bridging the gap between scientific theory and on-

ground implementation.

• Effective national programs evolve, shifting focus from basic sanitation to

complex resource recovery and reuse.

• Waste is a relative term, possessing inherent value as a “substrate” for

wealth creation in a circular economy.

• Sustainable innovations like the Indore model and fly ash phyto-capping

demonstrate practical ecological, environmental, and economic benefits.

• Achieving large-scale change demands addressing human elements: building

trust, understanding local contexts, and fostering individual responsibility.

What I learned from Dr. Abhishek Khapre

Test your Reading Comprehension

1. What is the primary philosophical shift in focus from Swachh Bharat Mission

1.0 to Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, as discussed in the article?

2. According to Abhishek, which of the following is NOT a primary factor that

dictates the appropriate solid waste management technology in India’s

diverse regions?

3. In the fly ash phyto-capping project near Koradi, what was the most

significant direct ecological and environmental benefit, as described by

Abhishek?

4. What is the “pervasive misconception” about waste management that

Abhishek actively addresses regarding public responsibility in India?

5. According to Abhishek’s analogy of a biogas plant in winter, what

temperature range do the degrading bacteria require to efficiently convert

waste material?

Take Quiz