Abstract

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE IN MALERKOTLA CITY: AN APPRAISAL
Track: Public Works
Authors: Mohd aamir, Amir Latif

Municipal solid waste includes refuse from households, non-hazardous solid waste from industrial, commercial and institutional establishments, market waste and street sweepings. Waste generation increases with population expansion and economic development. Rapid industrialization and population explosion in India has led to the migration of people from villages to cities, which generate thousands of tons of solid waste daily. Improperly managed solid waste poses a risk to human health and the environment. The solid waste amount is expected to increase significantly in the near future as the country strives to attain an industrialized nation status by the year 2020 (Sharma and Shah, 2005; CPCB, 2004; Shekdar et al 1992). Poor collection and inadequate transportation are responsible for the accumulation of solid waste at every nook and corner. The management of solid waste is going through a critical phase, due to the unavailability of suitable facilities to treat and dispose of the larger amount of solid waste generated daily in cities. Uncontrolled dumping and improper waste handling causes a variety of problems, including contaminating water, attracting insects and rodents, and increasing flooding due to blocked drainage canals or gullies. Improper waste management also increases greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.

Most of our cities and municipalities in third world countries like India are struggling with improper disposal of waste. Hence, it is significant to study waste disposal practice in Malerkotla city of Sangrur district in Punjab and suggest feasible solid waste management strategies.The aims of the present study are to the highlight the present locations of solid waste disposal site in Malerkotla city which are creating health and environmental hazards. Based on fieldwork proper waste management practices are also suggested for Malerkotla city.The inferences and conclusions of the study were drawn on the basis of analysis of primary data and secondary data. The primary data related to major solid waste dumping site in the Malerkotla city was collected through intensive field work during March 2013. Secondary data available in the form of Census data, satellite imagery, articles, papers, books etc was also used in the study. The data collected from field survey has been processed in the GIS environment and required map layers have been generated for analysis purposes. Satellite imagery, administrative boundary maps etc were the input data. A field survey was carried to verify the dumping site in city.The maps were scanned and on screen digitization was carried in ESRI Arc GIS Version (9.3). LISS-3 image downloaded from Bhuvan Geoportal was also used in this study.