Review on evolution of municipal solid waste management in India: practices, challenges and policy implications

The expansion of urban areas, changing patterns of consumption and industrialization resulting in an increase in municipal waste generation are deteriorating the quality of environment, thereby posing a risk to sustainable development. The seriousness of the problem increases in a scenario where natural resources are getting scarcer and the traditional system of landfill is still being practiced extensively for solid waste disposal. Most often technology is considered as an essential component of the waste management where the functionality of different technologies depends on the quantity of waste and its composition. However, other factors such as government policy, legal framework, and financial allocation, social and cultural context play an equally vital role for an efficient waste management system, which is often ignored. Recognizing the importance of sustainable development and environmental conservation, the role of institutions and technology in delivering efficient waste management system has been evident in countries pioneering in waste management. This paper addresses the issue of municipal solid waste management by taking the case of India. It discusses the present municipal waste management system, practices and policies in India. In an evolutionary approach, it highlights the gaps in policy formulation, points out the challenges that the sector is facing and makes an attempt to suggest a way forward through a study of the municipal waste management policies and practices adopted in other countries that had championed waste management.