Sustainable integrated solid waste management in the trans- Himalayan accommodation sector
Authors: Wani, M.A., Dada, Z.A. and Shah, S.A.
Journal: African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure
Volume: 7
Issue: 2
eISSN: 2223-814X
Abstract:The purpose of this study was to characterize the waste generation profile of the tourist destinations in the Indian Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh which are facing acute solid waste pollution. Leh town is a hub of touristic activity in Ladakh. However, tourist accommodation sector is a major contributor to solid waste generation of the town and poses severe challenge for the sustainable development of the region. Hitherto very few scientific studies have been undertaken to analyze the magnitude of waste generation from accommodation industry in order to visualize anthropogenic pressure on the destination under investigation. Therefore, the present research work was a scientific attempt to estimate the magnitude, composition, quantity and temporal trends in solid waste generation in the tourist accommodation of the town and suggest a suitable model for its proper management. Direct Waste Analysis Method has been used and 10% representative sample selected through random sampling technique. The results reveal that tourist accommodation sector generates about 1093.69 annually out of which 60% can be diverted for composting and 30% for recycling to relieve burden on the destination. The study depicts that there is huge potential of resource recovery for the waste streams of accommodation industry in the area. The data set generated through this pilot study could be indispensable for envisaging an integrated solid waste management plan for of the town.
Source: Scopus