Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the passage?
- A. Generation of energy from municipal solid waste is inexpensive.
- B. Biomethanation is the most ideal way of generating energy from municipal solid waste.
- C. Segregation of municipal solid waste is the first step in ensuring the success of waste-to-energy plants.
- D. The biodegradable component of India's municipal solid waste is not adequate to provide energy from waste efficiently/effectively.
Answer: C
Explanation
The passage begins by highlighting the rarity of municipal waste segregation at source in India. It then explicitly states that for waste-to-energy, it ‘Ideally it fits in the chain after segregation (between wet waste and rest), collection, recycling, and before getting to the landfill.’ This clearly positions segregation as a foundational and initial step for the effective functioning of waste-to-energy processes. Options A and D are not supported by the passage, as it doesn’t discuss cost or inadequacy. Option B is an overstatement; biomethanation is called a ‘major solution,’ not the ‘most ideal way.’ The central theme revolves around the critical importance of segregation.