Solid Waste Management Practices in India: Implications for Human Well-Being

Solid waste management (SWM) has appeared as a major environmental and public health concern in India due to rapid urbanization, population expansion, and changing consumption patterns. Ineffective waste management techniques endanger human health by contaminating the air, water, and soil. In response, India has launched a number of programs to improve solid waste management through community involvement, technology advancements, and governmental changes. The SWM framework has been considerably enhanced by important efforts including the Swachh Bharat Mission, Solid Waste Management Rules (2016), waste segregation at source, encouragement of recycling and composting, and waste-to-energy projects. In addition to promoting environmental sustainability, these initiatives aim to improve public health by lowering disease vectors, strengthening sanitation, and guaranteeing cleaner living circumstances. Awareness campaigns and the inclusion of informal trash workers have also improved social and economic well-being. Despite advancements, there are still issues with infrastructure, behaviour modification, and implementation. In order to attain long-term health and environmental advantages, this abstract emphasizes the importance of integrated, inclusive, and sustainable approaches. It also underlines the role that solid waste management initiatives in India play in supporting human well-being.