Geospatial Techniques for Suitable Site Determination for Municipal Solid Waste: A Case Study of Calangute/Saligao, Goa, India

Abstract

Solid waste management is one of the biggest concerns faced by the developing nations like India since phenomenon of urbanization has risen uncontrollably in recent years in these developing countries. This has led to develop and adopt new technologies for more constructive and efficient waste management system so as to reduce the pressure of solid waste management on the authorities as well as on environment. The initial step in the solid waste management is landfill site selection which is quite complex as it implicates many environmental factors. Suitability of the selected site is always accountable for loss or gain of the environment in the future and also it determines the economics and benefits or loss. Hence, it is always advisable that suitability should be determined considering economical and socio-environmental factors. This paper throws a light on the viability of new geospatial technologies like remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) in the process of site selection for municipal solid waste in Calangute/Saligao, Goa, India. For the current study, Weighted Overlay Analysis is used to identify the suitability of the site. The research work identifies the arability of land for disposal of MSW in a systematic manner that ensures the environmental protection and management of waste products. This study provides the suitable dumping sites for municipal solid waste, which may be subjected to the green city management and city planning. Thus, this study provides an advance way to manage the solid waste of an urban area. This study expresses the efficiency of model-based technique that can help to deal with a burning issue like MSW across the globe. This model-based study can reduce laborious activities, minimize the cost of the project. Thus, it helps an urban planner to for better site selection for MSW management and overall city planning. This study will provide a base line for future study like leachate management, land degradation, loss of biodiversity, etc.

Keywords: solid waste management, object-based image analysis, weighted overlay analysis, remote sensing, GIS