Municipal solid waste management (MSW) is a big problem for a majority of developing countries across world. Spontaneous commercial, residential and infrastructural development due to population explosion has caused negative impacts on the environment. Unplanned towns and cities and lack of scientific and technical expertise in MSW management has complicated the problems. We must try to investigate the root causes of such common urban problems in a place like Silchar. This is a Mini City. It is one of the fastest growing hubs in south Assam. The population of the city is nearly 2 lakhs, according to the census of 2011. It generates around 85 MT (metric ton) of Municipal waste every day. This consists of house hold waste (50%), market waste (39%), street waste (6%). It also includes other commercial wastes like the E-waste (5%).
Solid waste disposal problem of Silchar in Assam
The per capita rate of waste generation is 240 to 250 gram per day on an average. The current study assesses present trends, scopes and the way forward. This looks at sustainable municipal solid waste management in the coming times in Silchar City. Such studies should also look at rapidly developing cities across India. This will generate a database of city wise waste generation, across the country. It would also provide a road map for techniques to be adopted in sustainable waste management.
Municipal Solid Waste is a health hazard
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is generally a heterogeneous mixture of rags, stones, soils. It also has food and vegetable waste. That is from the kitchen and market. Solid waste, if allowed to accumulate, is a health hazard. It decomposes and favours fly breeding, attracts rodents and vermins. Pathogens may be present in solid waste. These can get relayed back to food cycle through flies and dust.
There is a high possibility of water and soil pollution. Heaps of refuse present an unsightly appearance. It also emits bad odours. There is high correlation between improper disposal of solid waste and vector borne diseases. This is a Voice of Environment report.
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