Urban environmental management at Kathmandu : a study to explore applications of regulatory and economic instruments in solid waste management | |
| Author | Rajbhandari, Rama |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.HS-97-19 |
| Subject(s) | Refuse and refuse disposal--Nepal--Kathmandu Urban ecology--Nepal--Kathmandu |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. HS-97-19 |
| Abstract | The rapid urbanizing process, fueled by rural to urban migration and population growth, has given rise to a host of urban environmental problems. These include problems related to limited availability and access to basic environmental infrastructure and services, pollution from urban wastes and emissions, and loss or destruction of natural and cultural resources. The quality of the environment is thus a matter of growing concern. In this context, solid waste management has become a priority. This study reviews urban environmental management in Kathmandu and explores application of economic and regulatory instruments in solid waste management. The research for this study includes a survey conducted at two different places: the core and fringe areas of the studied city. Area observations, household and officials questionnaire survey, checklists and informal discussions with all related actors in domestic solid waste management have been the methods of collecting required information and data. The study reveals that solid waste management services are available only to a fraction of the urban areas of Kathmandu. This is largely confined to high income and easily accessible residential areas. Most of the urban fringe areas are not serviced. There are no arrangements for the proper collection, treatment and final disposal of solid and hazardous wastes with environmentally accepted standards. People's traditional habits, their behaviour and irresponsible waste workers have made waste management more complex. The Solid Waste Management and Resource Mobilization Center (SWMRMC) and the Kathmandu Municipality have not been able to deal with the solid waste problems due to poor organizational structure, shortage of trained manpower, equipment and financial resources; lack of people's awareness and participation. Noncoordination between these two agencies and duplication of their functions and duties have caused more confusion to fulfill their responsibilities. Yet there have not been any specific effort on the part of the SWMRMC or the Municipality to manage domestic, industrial and hospital wastes. This study shows that application of regulatory and economic instruments is very limited for SWM in the city. Although The Solid Waste Act (1987) and Municipality Act (1992) deal with charges and penalties concerning SWM, they are not clearly defined and enforced yet. Those acts do not contain reference to standards, solid waste plans, subsidies and incentives - the common tools used in developed countries. The study recommends guidelines for the application of regulatory and economic instruments in domestic SWM to provide incentives to manage waste, to raise revenue and to ensure environmental restoration. It also recommends institutional and administrative measures, such as: policy and programs for improving organizational structure, to increase people's participation and supervision, and to improve overall SWM system in the city. It also identifies the requirements for industrial and hospital hazardous waste management. A combination of regulatory and economic instruments are to be applied for these two areas of wastes. |
| Year | 1997 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. HS-97-19 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Human Settlement (HS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Amin, A. T. M. Nurul; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Lefebvre, B. G.;Morishita, H.; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD); |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1997 |