Integrating GIS and AHP for Optimal Landfill Site Selection: A Case Study of Alwar City, India

Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is becoming a significant concern both globally and locally. Landfill sites selection is a critical component of MSWM. In various urban areas in India, including Alwar City, the current dump-sites were selected based on land availability rather than land suitability. This study employed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to classify the city into zones categorized as most suitable, suitable, moderately suitable, less suitable, and not suitable for landfill site. The findings revealed that 33,915 hectares, constituting 88.92% area, were classified unsuitable, while 3,962 hectares, representing 20.37%, were classified overall suitable. Only 1,257 hectares, representing 3.2% of the total area, were the most suitable for landfill sites. Total 121 potential sites were identified however, only 10 met the minimum size criterion of 20 hectares and aligned with the Alwar City Master Plan 2051. The study also revealed that the existing landfill is located in an area that fall in moderately suitable category. This study also contributes to the existing literature of how to choose landfill sites that are both scientifically and socially acceptable in developing nations. This study focuses on combining MCDA, AHP, and GIS techniques to improve the environmental and socio-economic sustainability of landfill site selection and management, thereby supporting the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 6, and 11.