SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT CASE STUDY:-
1. Introduction: Waste management an essential part of any urban community, is the timely collection, transport, processing of waste material. The mishandling of this process can have an adverse effect on health, the environment and aesthetics of any populated area. Mountainous regions are some of the most critically affected areas due to inaccessibility, no proper transport/collection facilities, lack of a proper disposal area due to the general instability of the region (Due to the landfills being cut out of a hillsides and landslides occurring at these areas in the monsoon season), growth of population and rapid urbanization over the last decade. This case study will majorly focus on solid waste management in the Sub Himalayan Region, specifically the town of Kalimpong. The Sub Himalayan region is an already unstable region with landslides scarring the hillsides every monsoon and the callous handling of solid waste poses a major threat.
2. About Kalimpong: Kalimpong town is located at an elevation of 1350 metres (4429 ft) with a population of 46138 (census 2011). The town is covers an area of 8.48 km and is divided into 23 wards.It is flanked by the Teesta River towards the west and the Relli river towards the east. Education and agriculture are the most significant contributors to the towns economy, with students from all over India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Thailand studying in the educational institutes here. Also, it is one of the major ginger producing areas in India. The area surrounding Kalimpong is very well known for its flora and fauna, with orchids and gladioli being exported all over the world. Tourism is also a small contributor in the spring and summer months. However, the inflow of people who visit this area has been reduced to a trickle as compared to a decade ago, due to the political movement for Gorkhaland and the recurring strikes called by political parties. It is home to various tribes within...