Solid Waste Management in Chandigarh – A Case Study

Abstract

The management of solid waste has become a major cause of concern over the past few years in both developed and developing countries. With rapid increase of population, urbanization and industrialization, there has been a marked rise in living conditions of people and this had lead to the generation of varied types of solid waste that needs to be effectively managed. For the sustainable development of any nation proper management of solid waste is very essential. Quantity estimation and characteristics of Municipal Solid Waste and its forecasting over the planning period is the key to its successful management plan. Given the existing scenario, the quantum of solid waste generated especially is set to rise in major cities due to more rapid growth of population further exacerbating the issue. This will require more focus on devising appropriate and effective mechanisms for handling such huge and excessive volumes of municipal solid waste management as improper management can lead to health and environmental hazards. In India, Municipal solid waste management is one of the most neglected areas of urban development even though a substantial portion of the municipality budget is attributed for this purpose. Several literature studies have been reported for major metropolitan cities in India but very little literature is available on the detailed mechanisms for Municipal solid waste management in tier –II cities. The paper summarizes the solid waste management practices, strategies, processes and methods used to manage the Municipal solid waste in Chandigarh, a top Tier –II city in India.