Solid waste management and sustainable cities in India: the case of Chandigarh

Abstract

Urban India generates about 42 million tonnes of municipal solid waste per annum. By 2050, 50 per cent of the country’s population is projected to be urban, and the amount of waste will increase substantially. The 12th Schedule of the Constitution of India makes it obligatory for municipal authorities to keep cities and towns clean. Given their wide range of responsibilities, however, dealing with waste in both practical and environmentally sound ways is one of their most significant challenges, and innovative solutions are called for. This paper presents research on solid waste management in the city of Chandigarh, well known in India for its achievements in this regard. It provides an overview of the situation, discussing the strategies adopted and the continued and emerging challenges in waste management, as well as suggesting measures for possible solutions.