Plastic Waste Generation, Management Issues, and Impact on Marine Ecosystems: Case Study of Tapi and Daman Ganga Rivers, Gujarat, India

Summary

This study focuses on addressing critical challenges related to plastic pollution in India, specifically targeting the catchment areas of the Tapi and Daman Ganga rivers, along with the industrial hubs of Surat and Vapi in Gujarat. Sixty-two million tons of municipal solid waste are generated in India, including uncollected and landfill-bound waste annually with plastic being 9–10% of it. Gujarat, a major industrial center, contributes significantly to plastic pollution, being the second-largest generator of plastic waste in the country. The rapidly growing industrialized cities of Gujarat, Surat, and Vapi offer a good example of the challenges and potential solutions for managing plastic waste. This chapter presents detailed profiles of these case study locations, emphasizing their industrial significance and waste management efforts. The detailed waste estimation and plastic waste characteristics in Surat and Vapi provide insights into the challenges faced by these cities and the potential impact on marine ecosystems.