Team Details:
| SHOAIB MUHAMMAD Lecturer University of Wah, Wah Cantt. Rawalpindi (PI) |
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| TAIMUR MAZHAR SHEIKH Assistant Professor University of Wah, Wah Cantt. Rawalpindi (Co PI) |
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| MUSHARIB KHAN Assistant Professor National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad (Co PI) |
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| WAJIHA AHMED Research Assistant University of Wah, Wah Cantt. Rawalpindi (RA) |
Theme/Relevant Ministry:
PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGEMENT:
Ministry of Climate Change, Environmental Protection Agency, Punjab
Project Brief:
This research study aims to conduct a thorough baseline assessment of Solid Waste Management (SWM) practices in Pakistan, focusing on Wah Cantt as a case study. Through a multi-faceted approach, the project will evaluate existing SWM practices, engage key stakeholders, and gather insights into the SWM system through field visits, unstructured interviews, and questionnaire surveys. A Waste Analysis and Characterization Study (WACS) will be conducted across Winter and Summer seasons to inform waste composition and guide treatment options. Additionally, the role of the informal sector will be explored through a comparison of dumpsite and household waste composition, supplemented by interviews with scavengers. A Knowledge Attitude Practices (KAP) survey will be conducted to gauge residents’ perceptions through a questionnaire survey. Furthermore, a Cost Benefit Analysis of the existing SWM system will be carried out to evaluate its economic sustainability. The project will evaluate shortlisted treatment options via Life Cycle Assessment to determine their environmental impact. By adopting this holistic approach, the study aims to provide data-driven insights that will empower key stakeholders such as policymakers and municipalities to make informed decisions regarding SWM practices.
Public Policy Relevance:
Unfortunately, the existing framework lacks guidelines on recycling and environmentally safe collection & disposal practices. The controlled mechanisms in totally neglected, resulting in adverse impacts on the environment and public health. Urgent redrafting of the existing outdated, and inadequate policies is imperative. This is important not only to fulfil international obligations but also to safeguard natural and human resources. To achieve this conducting a comprehensive baseline assessment that encompasses various aspects of sustainability becomes paramount.