Challenges of Solid Waste Management and Policy Implications in the Indian Himalayan Region: A Scientific Review

Abstract

According to Census of India (2011), total 377 million populations were residing in urban area which is 31% of the total population. During 1961-2011, the urban population was increased from 18 to 31.2% (Census of India, 2011b). India which is an agriculture-based economy is shifting towards service-oriented country as more of the population is shifting towards urban areas. Due to diverse geographical and climatic regions the people living here have different consumption and waste generation patterns. Towards sustainable urban development efficient municipal solid waste management is a vital constituent. Municipal solid waste management includes source segregation of waste, storage, collection, relocation, carry-age, processing, and disposal of solid waste for lessening its harmful impact on environment. Unplanned and short-term developmental plans increases industrialization and urbanization in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) and have led to tons of solid waste being sent to dump-yards and remained untreated. Due to this, solid waste management is becoming challenging issue in the IHR. In this review, various challenges and issues of solid waste management and probable solutions are suggested, particularly for the IHR.