Identifying and Analyzing the Key Drivers and challenges of Environmental and Socio-Economic Externalities Caused by Municipal Solid Waste Management in Delhi

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management is one of the most serious urban problems in Delhi, where intense population growth, urbanization, and shifting patterns of consumption have largely exceeded the city's waste managing capacity. The study seeks to determine and examine the major drivers and challenges pertaining to the environmental and socio-economic externalities arising from poor MSW management in Delhi. Through an analysis of a variety of factors—such as poor waste segregation at source, excessive dependence on landfills, poor institutional coordination, and the informal waste sector's marginalized position—this research gives a complete picture of the systemic problems behind waste-related externalities. Environmental effects like groundwater pollution, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions are evaluated together with socio-economic impacts like public health hazards, livelihood insecurity for informal workers, and spatial disparities. The study uses a mixed-methods design, including field surveys, stakeholder interviews, and spatial data analysis to construct a holistic framework of waste management dynamics. The results emphasize the imperative necessity for integrated policy reforms, improved community engagement, and scalable infrastructure solutions to avert the cascading impacts of suboptimal MSW practices. This research adds to the general debate on sustainable urban development by providing practical recommendations to policymakers, waste management agencies, and civil society organizations