Solid waste management and environmental sustainability: a case study of Ajmer City, Rajasthan

Globally, solid waste management (SWM) is a difficult problem, especially in developing countries that are fast becoming more urbanized. With a sharp rise in garbage production, India faces serious environmental and public health consequences as well as ineffective collection and treatment. A comprehensive case study of Ajmer, Rajasthan, is presented in this research, which looks at the city's current SWM practices, public attitudes, and systemic issues. Using primary data from an Ajmer household survey and a wealth of secondary research on national SWM trends, the study highlights the significant environmental and socioeconomic repercussions of improper waste handling, inefficiencies in waste collection and monitoring, and critical gaps between publicawareness and action. The analysis highlights the interconnectedness of SWM deficiencies with broader urban infrastructure issues and underscores the underutilized potential of the '3 Rs' (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) framework. Drawing lessons from successful SWM models across India, this report offers strategic and policy recommendations tailored for Ajmer, advocating for enhanced source segregation, optimized collection, decentralized processing, integration of the informal sector, and robust data-driven governance to foster environmental sustainability and improve urban living standards.