Potential landfill site suitability study for environmental sustainability using GIS-based multi-criteria techniques for nashik and environs

Suitability study for potential landfill sites and Solid Waste Management (SWM) is one of the major challenges for city planners. This study was conducted for the upcoming scientific waste management site of Nashik and Environs, Maharashtra, India. As the state nominated the city for the National Smart Cities Mission, the existing landfill site is on the verge of closure. This study aims to identify spatially suitable potential landfill sites. Study based on remote sensing and geographical information system techniques with multi-criteria decision analysis. It considered environmental, socio-economical, and technical criteria to maintain sustainability and improve the standard of living of people nearby vicinity. Fifteen parameters were considered while selecting a potential landfill site. A constructed analytical hierarchy process (AHP) with a consistency ratio of 0.05557 was used to evaluate the weightage of the nine parameters. Restriction buffer analysis was performed on the four parameters, and restricted zones were omitted. For potential site selection, a threshold limit and selection criteria were used. The study identified several potential landfill sites and their suitability within the wasteland. The required landfill area for the coming years is calculated based on the projected population, and the potential landfill site map shows the effectiveness of the proposed method. This systematic study will assist city planners in identifying potential landfill site suitability for environmental sustainability during the selection process.