Present status of MSW generationin NCT-Delhi and managementin light of new waste management rules

Abstract

Composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) varies in quantity and quality which includes food waste, household waste, market waste and commercial waste materials that are no longer useful. MSW generation in India have been heavily increased due to population explosion, fast industrialization and urbanization in the last decades. In 2036, population in India is expected to grow to 1.52 billion and urban population will be 39.06%. Urban India is expected to generate about 11,95,000 Tonnes Per Day (TPD) by 2050. National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, being India’s national capital and a metropolitan city having high population density facing tremendous task in managing collection, segregation, transport and disposal of solid wastes. Five Municipal bodies/ Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are responsible for solid waste management in Delhi. Along with ULBs, profit-oriented private sectors, the non-profit voluntary organizations or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and numerous unorganized individuals engaged in collection, segregation, recycling and disposal of MSW. The existing MSW collection and handling systems in Delhi seems inadequate for compliance to the new Solid Waste Management Rules- 2016. The four sanitary landfills in Delhi are oversaturated and the MSW generated needs proper segregation and recycling of materials at source to minimize disposal. Decentralized methods of waste processing, reduction, recycle and reuse, which include composting, bio-methanation, fossilization are need of the hour. The informal sectors like the private companies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), waste collectors (rag pickers, kabadiwalas) and waste recyclers shall be integrated into the solid waste management system.