Trash to Trouble: Revealing the Environmental Costs of Poor Waste Management in Durgapur

Rapid industrial, urbanisation and population growth have recently led to increased pressure on the solid waste management infrastructure of Durgapur city, resulting in negative impacts to water and air quality. The study assesses the environmental impacts of insufficient solid waste disposal activities on the groundwater, surface water and air. The results indicate that areas around open dumping sites are severely deteriorated with high groundwater, surface water pollution and increased particulate matter in the air especially in winter. These findings suggest that buffer zones, containment infrastructure and improved air quality monitoring will be needed to regulate air pollution from this sector. The study highlights for the policymakers and urban planners to consider a sustainable waste management framework which would help to ensure the protection of the environment and public health of the Durgapur.