A Study of Solid Waste Management – with Reference to Madurai Corporation

Abstract

Basic infrastructure development is an essential element of the economic growth equation. The Government of India has proposed and provided for transferring several administrative and financial powers to Local Bodies and designating them as the nodal agency for provision of effective and sustainable urban services. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Management is an obligatory function per the respective Municipal Acts that govern
the functions and responsibilities of Local bodies in India. It is the responsibility of the Local bodies to collect, transport, process and dispose the Municipal Solid Waste in an environmentally acceptable manner. The factors that influence the volume and composition are average level of income, population, social behavior, climate, industrial production and market for waste materials. Generation of solid waste is also reportedly in direct relation to economic wealth. Variations are also bound occur in composition of solid waste due to seasonal and location factors.