Management of Urban Solid Waste Pollution in Developing Countries

Solid waste pollution, like the other environmental problems, is assuming serious dimensions in Delhi. From the last few decades, the study area has been experiencing a significant increase in the generation of solid waste that is adversely affecting its physical environment and is creating aesthetic problems. The current study reviews the data on the quantity of municipal solid waste generation, its physico-chemical characteristics, collection and disposal system. During the analysis it has been found that rapid population growth in Delhi has enhanced the rate of generation of solid wastes manifolds. Consequently, the management of waste has become Herculean work, and, piles of garbage and waste of all kinds littered everywhere have become a common site. The present analysis highlighted that the existing system of waste collection and its disposal within the municipal board is not only inadequate and insufficient but also unscientific. It has been tried to develop a strategy for mitigating and managing this problem in the sustainable urban development perspectives by involving Non-Government and Community-Based Organizations. Besides, the analysis also provides a background for the discussion of strategic issues relating to how these organizations in Delhi can assist the local government in solving the waste management crisis.