A Case Study on Characterization and Management of Solid Waste at Selected Spiritual Sites in Dehradun, India

Vishal Kamboj; Purnima Devi; Ishrat Jaan; Ram Bhushan Prasad Singh; Aditi Bisht

doi:10.59983/s2024020406

Vishal Kamboj ¹ , Purnima Devi ² , Ishrat Jaan ³ , Ram Bhushan Prasad Singh ⁴ , Aditi Bisht ⁵

¹ Department of Environmental Science. BFIT Group of Institution, Suddhowala, Dehradun 248007, India
² Department of Environmental Science. BFIT Group of Institution, Suddhowala, Dehradun 248007, India
³ Department of Environmental Science. BFIT Group of Institution, Suddhowala, Dehradun 248007, India
⁴ Department of Environmental Science. BFIT Group of Institution, Suddhowala, Dehradun 248007, India
⁵ Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), Haridwar 249404, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6807-014X

✉ Author responsible for correspondence: This information is protected, please see article PDF.

doi 10.59983/s2024020406

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the nature and extent of solid waste generated in selected areas of Dehradun, examining the disposal techniques employed and characterizing the waste produced during both normal days and festival days. Additionally, the study aims to educate the community on solid waste management practices and to calculate the average per capita waste generation. The results demonstrate that the ratio of biodegradable waste, primarily comprising flowers, fruits, and vegetables, constituted the highest proportion of waste in all analyzed temples. Of these, flowers represented the most prevalent form of biodegradable waste. The high percentage of floral waste indicates a significant volume of offerings, underscoring the necessity for the development of effective composting and organic recycling plans. Furthermore, the study demonstrates a correlation between an increase in the average generation of waste and the occurrence of holidays or festivals. Consequently, an analysis of waste-to-energy projects will facilitate the transformation of waste into electricity, thereby creating additional space in temples and promoting the utilization of environmentally friendly energy sources.

Keywords:

biodegradable, solid waste, temple waste, waste management

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