Previous Year Question
Which megacity of India generates the largest solid waste per capita annually?
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Mumbai
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
Chennai had the highest per capita municipal solid waste generation among the given metropolitan cities in the context of the 2010 examination. According to historical data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Chennai generated approximately 0.62 kg (620 grams) of solid waste per person per day, equivalent to about 226.3 kg per person annually.
According to the comparative data available at that time, Delhi generated approximately 0.57 kg, Mumbai 0.45 kg, and Bangalore 0.39 kg of solid waste per person per day. Thus, Chennai had the highest per capita waste generation among the given options.
Municipal Solid Waste includes waste generated from households, markets, commercial establishments, and other urban activities. Its major components include organic waste, paper, plastic, metals, and glass. Waste generation is influenced by consumption levels, lifestyles, population, and urban economic activities.
Per capita waste generation differs from the total quantity of waste generated by a city. A more populous city may generate more waste overall, while another city may have higher waste generation per person.