Assessment of Effects of Peri-Urban Development on Solid Waste Management Institutes: A Case Study of Rawalpindi

Abstract

Urbanization is known as the social process leading to the creation of cities. Presently, the world population living in urban areas is 55%, and by 2050, it is projected that it will increase to 68%. Africa and Asia will have 90% of this surge. In South Asia, the highest rate of urbanization is in Pakistan, and by 2025, nearly 50% of the its population will be living in urban areas. Due to rapid urbanization, Pakistan has witnessed an increase in waste generation. The per year generation of solid waste in Pakistan is 48.5 Mt and is growing annually at 2% or more in Pakistan. All major cities of Pakistan faces the enormous challenge of managing solid waste. This study aims at assessing the effect of peri-urban development on SWM institutes in Rawalpindi. The SWM practices, barriers, perception of household and effect of peri-urban development on SWM institutes are assessed in this research. The data was collected by means of household questionnaire, expert opinions, field observation and interviews with institutions. The data was analysed in SPSS and MS-Excel. The analysis concluded that there are five areas of a SWMS in peri-urban areas that need improvements, which includes technical and operational limitations, implementation of regulations, finance and human resource, household behavior and operational capacity and equipment. SWM authorities need to introduce awareness campaigns through print, electronic and social media, seminars, and events regarding waste reduction, disposal and separation. The outcome of this research will serve as a base point for the SWM institutes and local governing bodies because it will provide a base for policy initiatives related to integrated SWM system. Furthermore, this research will increase the existing body of knowledge in environmental studies related to SWMS.