Articles

Solid Waste Management and Material Recovery Facility Planning in Leh-Ladakh, Western Himalaya

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Rapid urbanization, tourism growth, and changing consumption patterns have significantly increased solid waste generation in Leh Ladakh, a high-altitude cold desert region of India. This study examines the existing status of waste generation, segregation, and disposal practices in Leh, the largest town in Ladakh, and assesses the feasibility of establishing a Material Recovery Facility (MRF). Field-based inventory, secondary datasets, and the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Manual 2016 were used to estimate waste quantities and design MRF requirements. Results indicate that Leh generates approximately 13.02 tonnes per day (TPD) of solid waste, with 80% comprising dry waste and 20% wet waste. The dry fraction includes paper and cardboard (30%), tetra packs (20%), textiles (17%), PET (8%), and multilayer plastics (7%). Currently, segregation and limited recycling occur at a municipal facility powered by solar energy. However, the absence of a formal MRF, shortage of equipment, and lack of skilled manpower remain key challenges. The study proposes a manual MRF model suitable for <15 TPD, with an estimated operational cost of Rupees 3.06 lakh per annum. Establishing such a facility would improve recycling efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and promote sustainable waste management in this ecologically fragile Himalayan region.

Sectoral Approach for Solid Waste Management and Water Management

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Rapid urbanization, poor solid waste management and inadequate maintenance of water can lead to flooding, water scarcity, water pollution, adverse health effects and rehabilitation costs that may overwhelm the resilience of cities. Cities face significant difficulties as a result of these megatrends, as the cost of inactivity is considerable. A capacity building programme was conducted with a purpose to be a strategic step in building the capacity of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). The objective of the study was to assess the impact of the capacity building programme conducted for urban local body officials on solid waste and water management. The study focuses on the practices being followed by the urban local bodies in Ganga basin states in terms of solid waste and water management. It further highlights the gaps which must be addressed in relation to the aforementioned topics.