Optimal Municipal Solid Waste Management of A City in North India

Abstract

This paper studies the present system of collection, transportation and disposal of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) being followed in the city of Panchkula, in North India. It is found that the present system of MSW management in Panchkula is unscientific, inefficient and a major potential environment and health hazard. The trends of waste generation and its qualitative as well as quantitative characteristics have been studied in this paper and paired comparison techniques tool has been used to arrive at the most suitable, sustainable and environment friendly solution for the management of MSW in Panchkula. Each element of the proposed MSW management system has been discussed in detail. The paper leads to the conclusion that a participative, inclusive and decentralized system would be best suited for the city.