Achieving Sustainable Development in Kanpur City through Efficient Planning and Management of Solid Waste

Abstract

This paper explores the current situation, challenges, and planning implications of municipal solid waste (MSWM) management in Kanpur City, with a focus on sustainable development. Based on up-to-date municipal reports, Central Pollution Control Board data, scholarly research and local news, the study combines hard data (population, daily waste) with soft data (institutional capacity, informal sector, technology and landfilling practices). Rapid urbanisation, population growth, and changes in consumption patterns have led to a significant increase in solid waste production in Kanpur, posing serious environmental, social, and public health problems. Poor waste collection, improper disposal practices, open dumping, and limited public awareness have negatively impacted the city's sustainable urban development. This article examines the contributions of effective planning and scientific solid waste management to sustainable development in Kanpur City. Waste segregation at source, recycling, composting, community participation, technological integration, and efficient municipal governance are key to reducing environmental degradation and improving urban living conditions. Further, the study highlights the need for policy implementation, public-private partnerships, and environmental education to reinforce waste management systems. By adopting sustainable practices through integrated planning strategies, Kanpur can convert waste from an environmental burden into a valuable resource, thereby contributing to the conservation of ecological balance, economic efficiency, and social well-being for the present and future generations. The paper finds essential planning deficiencies and argues for an integrated, decentralized approach with focus on source separation, reclaiming of materials, decentralized composting, sanitary landfill cleanup and governance changes to make Kanpur’s MSWM compatible with the national SWM Rules and the sustainable development principles.