Building upon the ongoing 16-way waste segregation initiatives already being implemented by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) across several neighbourhoods, Panaji is preparing to further strengthen colony-level waste management infrastructure under the Cities 2.0 (CITIIS) programme. Aligned with the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission and the Smart City framework, the proposed initiative seeks to scale up structured, decentralised waste segregation practices across a larger number of identified housing colonies in the city, stated a press release.
At present, approximately 35 housing colonies under the jurisdiction of CCP are actively practising 16-way waste segregation, reflecting sustained civic engagement and community participation in waste management. Building on these efforts, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL), under the CITIIS programme, has identified nearly 240 housing colonies across Panaji where this infrastructure-led model is proposed to be introduced in a phased manner. The initiative is currently at the planning and preparatory stage, with implementation to be initiated progressively.
The proposed model focuses on the creation of dedicated waste segregation infrastructure within housing colonies, requiring an estimated area of 30 to 50 square metres, depending on waste generation. The approach is designed to strengthen segregation at source while ensuring operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and housing societies will play a central role in the initiative, fostering community ownership and compliance, and reinforcing behavioural change at the neighbourhood level.
Sandeep Jacques, MD & CEO, IPSCDL, said, ““Panaji has demonstrated strong civic commitment through CCP’s existing 16-way waste segregation initiatives. Under the CITIIS programme, IPSCDL aims to build upon these efforts by scaling up colony-level infrastructure and standardising processes across a wider footprint. By working closely with housing societies, residents and municipal systems, we seek to strengthen segregation at source, reduce the burden on downstream facilities, and promote a sustainable and replicable waste management framework for the city.”
Once initiated, the process will begin with joint inspections of colony premises by the implementation team to identify suitable locations for setting up segregation infrastructure. Systems will be custom-designed based on estimated waste generation to ensure efficiency, scalability and ease of operation. Comprehensive training programmes will be conducted for housekeeping staff, society managers and committee members, covering waste collection, segregation, storage and handling of various waste fractions to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
Residents and commercial establishments within participating colonies will be encouraged and trained to segregate waste at the source. IPSCDL will support the initiative by providing necessary infrastructure, along with clear visual signage and posters depicting each waste fraction. Awareness and capacity-building campaigns will be undertaken to ensure correct segregation practices and sustained behavioural change among residents.
CITIIS 2.0 is an initiative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), developed in partnership with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the German Development Bank (KfW), the European Union (EU), and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA). The programme extends financial and technical support to advance a circular economy by enabling integrated waste management projects at the city level, driving climate-focused reform actions at the state level, and strengthening institutions along with knowledge management at the national level.
Under the proposed purchase-based collection model, once bins or jhola bags reach capacity, society staff will inform the authorised collection team, which will schedule a pickup. Waste will be collected in a fully segregated manner, weighed on-site using digital weighing scales, and replaced with empty jhola bags. A digital receipt will be generated through a POS system, and payments based on an approved rate card will be made directly to the society’s manager or committee representative, ensuring transparency and accountability.
A key strength of the model lies in the fact that most waste categories will not require secondary sorting. Segregated waste will be directly baled and channelised to authorised recyclers, thereby significantly reducing the load on Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and improving overall system efficiency.
The 16-way waste segregation initiative under CITIIS represents an infrastructure-led, forward-looking approach to addressing urban waste management challenges. By combining sustainability, community participation, operational efficiency and economic viability, the initiative aims to strengthen Panaji’s circular economy framework while complementing CCP’s ongoing efforts on the ground.
With its structured, decentralised and citizen-centric approach, Panaji’s planned scale-up of 16-way waste segregation underscores the city’s continued commitment to cleaner neighbourhoods and a sustainable urban future. By investing in colony-level infrastructure, empowering housing societies and building on existing municipal initiatives, Panaji is positioning itself as a model city for integrated waste management under the Swachh Bharat Mission and Cities 2.0 framework.
