Explain various challenges associated with disposing of massive amounts of Municipal solid waste. Discuss action plan for municipal solid waste management in India for cities generating waste > 500 tonnes per day.
In short
Disposing of massive municipal waste is hampered by fragmented ULB governance, weak segregation, open dumpsites, underused processing plants, so big cities need plans built on source segregation, decentralised processing, scientific landfills and legacy-waste remediation. In Andhra Pradesh, 123 ULBs produce about 6,890 tonnes daily, but only 4 run sanitary landfills.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 243 words
Infrastructure Deficits
Andhra Pradesh2’s 123 ULBs generated 6,890 tonnes/day in 2022, but only 4 had sanitary landfills and 82 lacked wet waste processing plants, reflecting widespread infrastructural gaps.
Governance and Compliance
Fragmented roles and weak enforcement persist; only 5 of 17 Andhra Pradesh ULBs had bye-laws by 2022 despite the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Financial constraints limit technology adoption.
Poor Segregation and Dumpsites
Nationally, 75-80% waste is collected but segregation is weak; Andhra Pradesh audits show 75% segregation against claimed 98%, causing mixed waste and overburdened unsanitary landfills emitting methane and contaminating groundwater.
Health and Market Barriers
Unscientific disposal spreads diseases among vulnerable populations; composting and biomethanation plants remain underutilised due to low demand and poor integration with informal sectors.
Integrated Systems and Capacity Building
City-specific plans with source segregation, decentralized processing, and scientific landfills are vital, supported by capacity building and public-private partnerships.
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