Prospects of Coconut Waste Management for Sustainable Development in Patna

Abstract

Patna, the capital of Bihar is facing a significant upsurge in the burden of solid municipal waste in recent times. Coconut forms a heavy component of municipal solid waste. As residents of the town are becoming more health conscious and opt for natural beverages like coconut water over chemical-laden soft drinks, the demand for coconut and coconut water and its consumption is increasing continuously. The increasing consumption of coconut has increased the heaps of solid municipal waste in Patna.  However, if coconut waste is managed systematically and scientifically it has the potential to produce cocopeat, coco pith, coco manure and biodegradable packaging material, etc. simultaneously, reducing the burden of landfill sites. There is increasing demand for cocopeat and coco pith for terrace gardens nurseries and other plantation activities in the town. Coconut waste has significant economic and environmental potential. There are abundant economic opportunities in coconut waste management with environmental protection which are untapped in the city.  The paper is based on primary and secondary data. This research paper analyses the prospects of managing coconut waste for sustainable development in Patna.