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Abstract

Man and environment are closely intertwined with each other and are expected to maintain a balance or equilibrium with the nature. But our environment is getting worse day by day. With increased urbanization, economic development and improved living standards in cities increase the amount and complexity of solid waste. Consequently, waste management has become a key issue needing to be addressed. But management of municipal solid waste continues to remain one of the most neglected areas of urban development in India. Despite the municipal agencies spend such heavy expenditure; the present level of service in many urban areas is so low that there is a threat to the public health in particular and the environmental quality in general. The present paper is based on the study to find out the problems and prospects of municipal solid waste in Karaikudi, one of the important municipalities in Tamil Nadu. The outline of existing situation of solid waste management system, problems associated with the system and the future requirement to handle the up growing situation are discussed in the study area by the selected 100 households. The secondary data were collected from Karaikudi municipal office.   A survey questionnaire and observation techniques have been used to collect primary data. The study reveals that almost 85 percent of the municipal solid waste is collected daily and transported to disposal site (Rastha). But it has problem and deficiencies including lack of required equipment and labour force for collection and disposal of waste and due to lack of awareness, segregation of waste by the respondents is not efficient.

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