Technology

Solid waste management (SWM) is a vital responsibility of municipal governments worldwide and is one of the biggest challenges faced by urban authorities. Waste generation is increasing at a rapid pace, exceeding the financial and technical capacities of local governments to collect, treat, and dispose of this waste. In the South Asia region, India, Nepal, and Pakistan share one common geographic characteristic - the high peaks of the Himalayan mountain range.

Pakistan, India, and Nepal share one common ecological characteristic: the snow-capped mountain peaks of the Himalayan mountain range. The mountains bestow these countries with pristine landscapes and are the headwaters of many rivers. Concurrently, this unique mountain ecology offers these countries an opportunity to foster a green economy that leverages these natural assets for economic growth. However, these mountain ecosystems are fragile and must be well managed to ensure the livability of communities and environmental sustainability.

Nepal conjures up images of the Himalayas, climbing expeditions, tranquility in nature, and adventure holidays, making the country one of the most sought-after destinations for nature-based tourism. Ecologically sensitive areas as well as mountainous regions face some similar challenges when it comes to solid waste management (SWM). This study recommends that solutions need to be steadily built on a framework in order to successfully and sustainably manage mountain waste.

India is the second largest country in the world in terms of population and is rapidly catching up to the People’s Republic of China. A rapidly increasing population, coupled with sustained economic growth and urbanization, has led to an uncontrolled increase in waste generation in the country. Even within cities, there is a variation in service provision with wealthier neighborhoods receiving more frequent municipal solid waste (MSW) collection services and street sweeping compared to poorer areas and slums that receive no services.