Municipal Solid Waste Generation And Present Scenario Of Waste Management During Yatra Season In Pahalgam: A Tourist Health Resort Of Kashmir Valley

The increasing municipal solid waste (MSW) generation along with high fraction of organic, recyclable and other types of wastes is the current scenario in religious places and many tourist resorts of Kashmir valley in India. As a response to this problem, we carried out a study on municipal solid waste (MSW) generation and present scenario of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) during Yatra season (July-August 2011) in Pahalgam. The purpose of study was to evaluate the quantity, composition of MSW generated by Yatries, to recommend appropriate management practices. The study was based on three sites with marked differences in their physical and biotic features. The generation of municipal solid wastes (MSW) during Yatra season was too high, which could alter all environmental parameters if proper disposal could not occur at right time. The maximum net weight of MSW was observed at site3 (442.17 Kg/day), while as minimum was observed at site1 (55.92Kg/day). Among the constituents of solid wastes the net weight (%) was dominated by Food wastes (43%) followed by glass (19%), cardboard (13%), while as rubber and leather contributed almost 0 %. Analysis also showed that the maximum (382.07Kg/day) total net weight was contributed by compostable wastes followed by recyclable (221.14Kg/day), combustible by 37.91Kg/day and inert material contributed 12.11Kg/day. The average net weight observed during study period was 108.87 Kg/day/site. Increasing MSWM problems and its disposal strikes environment and health hazard prevailing scenario of waste handling practices and disposal is exhibited along with its associated problems. These insights into generated waste and management practice in Pahalgam health resort allow making suggestions for improved collection, transportation and disposal methods. A primary conclusion is that the recyclable and biodegradable waste is a major fraction having suitable properties for recycling and composting.