URBANIZATION VS WASTE MANAGEMENT: CHALLENGES FACED BY INDIAN RESIDENTS

Abstract

Waste management and treatment have become a major challenge for developing countries due to rapid urbanization, technological advances and population growth. Landfills, which are used for waste disposal purposes, have adverse effects on both the environment and nearby residents' health. India, with its burgeoning population, is one of the countries that face this challenge. Despite generating 62 million tonnes of municipal solid waste per annum, only 11.9 million tonnes are treated, while 31 million tonnes are dumped in landfill sites. This flawed system of waste disposal and management has not only increased the number of dump yards in India but has also caused serious health and environmental issues for nearby residents. The waste deposited in landfills generates gaseous pollutants, particulate matter, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants that pollute the air, soil, and water around them, leading to severe health problems such as respiratory illnesses, cancer, and skin cancer. It is crucial to prioritize proper landfill management and sanitation strategies to reduce the impact on the health and environment. The Indian government is working towards a city sanitization plan with specific objectives and missions for cleaning cities, including the proper treatment of municipal wastewater and stormwater drainage, eliminating manual scavenging and open defecation, treating solid waste, and offering services to the marginalized. Consequently, implementing appropriate landfill management strategies and sanitation plans would ensure a healthy environment and human life.