Title: An approach for the analysis of the effects of solid waste management in slum areas by rapid impact assessment matrix analysis

Authors: Nekram Rawal; Shweta Rai; S.K. Duggal

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), 211004 Allahabad, India ' Department of Civil Engineering, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), 211004 Allahabad, India ' Department of Civil Engineering, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), 211004 Allahabad, India

Abstract: Magh Mela (Mela) is a mass gathering festival of Hindus and held on the banks of the confluence (SANGAM) of the three holy rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati in Allahabad (India). It starts on Makar Sankranti day, i.e., 14th January of every year for 45 days. This study deals with the analysis of solid waste management (SWM) systems in slum areas near the confluence before, during and after the Mela. Surveys were conducted before, after and during the Mela through the questionnaire comprising of physical/chemical, biological/ecological, social/cultural and economical/operational aspects. The responses were analysed with rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM) to quantify the intangible effects on the environmental score (ES). Environmental performance index (EPI) was computed for all the three phases to intelligibly ascertain the efficacy of the systems/methodologies involved in SWM system. The SWM system did show remarkable improvements during the Mela compared to the other phases.

Keywords: solid waste management; SWM; rapid impact assessment matrix; RIAM; environmental score; ES; environmental performance index; EPI; slum areas.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2017.089652

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2017 Vol.20 No.3/4, pp.225 - 239

Accepted: 22 Aug 2017
Published online: 05 Feb 2018 *

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