PLANNING FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT OF MUZAFFARPUR CITY BIHAR

Abstract

In Muzaffarpur city the collection, transportation and disposal of solid wastes (which are highly visible and important municipal services) are unscientific and chaotic. Uncontrolled dumping of wastes on the outskirts of the city has created overflowing landfills that are not possible to reclaim because of the haphazard manner of dumping. It has created serious environmental implications in terms of ground water pollution and air pollution, the latter contributing to global warming. Solid Waste Management is one of the important areas which has been neglected during the past several years. The Muzaffarpur Municipal Corporation (MMC) and the Muzaffarpur Regional Development Authority (MRDA) are unable to provide a fool-proof system to tackle these problems. The main objectives of this dissertation are to investigate current solid waste management practices and to give proposals for efficient solid waste management for the Muzaffarpur city area. Literature on solid waste management in other cites have been reviewed and data analyzed. The results show a rapid increase in the total amount of municipal solid wastes and significant changes in their composition. Increasing population, urbanization and industrialization are major factors for it. The total solid waste generation has reached up to 0.49 kg per capita per day. Waste analysis indicated a high percentage of food wastes and other compostable products. Different waste treatment options for municipal solid waste have been studied and the factors affecting the important management issues in the operation of Muzaffarpur's solid waste management system have been discussed. Key design data and other useful information selected from a variety of reliable sources are presented. New sites are proposed for municipal solid waste disposal and treatment. The adoption of modern waste management practices is emphasized in order to achieve greater efficiency. Composting, both aerobic and anaerobic options, are available to the city for scientific disposal of wastes in future. Finally, conclusion, recommendations, proposals and guidelines have been given towards efficient waste management.