Journal of Geology & Geophysics
Open Access

Abstract

An Appraisal of Sustainability Scenario of Solid Waste Management: A GIS Study on Municipal Wards of Hyderabad, India

Murali Krishna Gurram, Lakshmana Deekshatulu Bulusu and Nooka Ratnam Kinthada

Waste is a major health hazard with a very high potential to undermine people’s right to life, and a threat to the environment. In India, waste is generally littered on roadsides and mostly dumped in the outskirts of the cities in areas that are low lying without compliance with the regulations. Proper and sustainable waste management can be achieved through the establishment of appropriate channels for the collection, transportation and disposal of wastes. The aim of this study was to find out the sustainability scenario of solid waste management with respect to the rising population in the city of Hyderabad. The use of Geographical Information System (GIS) was of great essence in classifying the city into sustainability classes based on the grouping of different municipal wards based on the per capita waste generated by each. It was generally found out that a bigger percentage of the municipal wards are low in sustainable waste management. A considerably significant number of the wards were rated ‘very good’ in sustainable waste management. Such areas included Gunfoundry, I.S. Sadan, Kishanbagh, and Attapur.