Suitability analysis of potential landfill sites for sustainable solid waste management in Mettur Taluk, South India, using geospatial technology

The scarcity of space in urban areas poses significant challenges for the disposal of solid waste. Conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is essential for the sustainable management of municipal solid waste landfills. In Mettur Municipal Corporation (MMC), continuous use of existing landfill sites has shown signs of environmental degradation. In this context, MMC was selected for a landfill site suitability assessment using Remote Sensing and GIS technologies. In the initial phase, eleven key landfill-related factors were identified for analysis. A weighted overlay analysis was performed using a GIS platform to determine the most suitable locations for landfill development. Thematic maps were prepared for various parameters, including land use/land cover, geomorphology, geology, soil, lineament density, groundwater table, water bodies, roads, major rivers, slope, and drainage. Each thematic layer was reclassified using the reclassification method based on its relevance to landfill suitability. Euclidean distance analysis was also conducted for road and railway track proximity. The selection of criteria was guided by the specific regional needs and environmental considerations of the study area. All factors were assigned appropriate ranks and weights based on their importance in determining landfill suitability. These were then integrated into a weighted overlay index to generate the final landfill suitability map. Environmental factors such as proximity to residential areas, road networks, and water bodies also influenced the suitability of the selected sites. Furthermore, the availability of surrounding vacant land provides potential for future landfill expansion. The results indicated that only 4.5% of the study area is highly suitable for landfill development, emphasizing the need for sustainable land use planning to support long-term environmental management.