Managing Pre-Consumer Footwear Waste in Agra

Agra, renowned for its historical heritage, is also one of India’s largest footwear manufacturing hubs, producing about 9-10 lakh pairs of footwear every day. The industry generates a very large quantum of pre-consumer waste, part of which ends up in the city’s open areas, dhalaos, roadsides and drains. A concerted effort is needed by all the stakeholders involved in manufacturing and value chain, and concerned government authorities, to adopt immediate and effective management strategies.

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has studied the scale of the footwear manufacturing sector, mapping both formal and informal production units and current disposal practices – the result has been its latest report, which will be released in this consultation workshop. The study presents a ground-level assessment of current challenges and a set of recommendations that can usher in short, medium and long term actions and solutions to manage preconsumer footwear waste in the city. The study also introspects on the effectiveness of Agra Nagar Nigam’s existing footwear waste management mechanisms, identifies the gaps that require attention, and offers insights into potential reduction strategies while emphasising the need for shared responsibility by Agra’s footwear industry.

This report aims to inform authorities, institutions, policymakers and stakeholders about the critical need for sustainable footwear waste management practices in Agra.

For more information, please contact:

Kuldeep Choudhary
Programme Officer
Solid Waste Management and Circular Economy Unit CSE
Mobile: +91 83770 30507
Email: kuldeep.choudhary@cseindia.org