Urbanization and Tourism Induced Challenges in Waste Management in Hill Towns: Case of Gangtok

Abstract

Rugged mountains, difficult terrain, and slope pose major challenges for development of Gangtok city. However, despite these challenges, Gangtok has experienced an unprecedented population growth during last two decades. It has created tremendous pressure on the basic infrastructure services and environment, especially when it comes to waste management. On the other hand, tourism is the main economic base of the state. Gangtok City alone receives approximately five lakhs tourists annually (both foreign and domestic). It is also evident from the city-level data of solid waste that in a given year tourism sector alone generates more solid waste than the waste generated by city’s own population. It should be noted that Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) is the sole responsible authority for MSWM since its inception in 2010. The primary objective of this research study is to examine the existing solid waste management system in the city in the context of increasing pressure from urbanization and tourism. The methodology of the study included reviewing of relevant literature and examining case studies of hill towns. At the city level, six wards out of fifteen wards of the city were selected based on its land use, population, terrain, road network, economic base, and existing waste management practices. Thereafter, primary survey was carried out after systematic selection of samples from hotels/restaurants, residential, shops, and ragpickers. Detailed study was conducted to understand the existing waste management practices and its challenges through stakeholder consultation. Major stakeholders such as GMC, Tourism Department, Urban Development and Housing Department, and local citizens were interviewed. Analysis of the primary and secondary data revealed surprising findings which include the issues and challenges faced by the local body due to difficult terrain, lack of manpower, lack of resources, inefficient collection process, and most importantly lack of willingness from citizens and tourists.

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