Multicriteria decision analysis in water resources management: the malnichara channel improvement

Multicriteria decision analysis tool is used in many water resources and environmental management projects. The Malnichara is one of the natural channels in Sylhet city [Bangladesh] responsible for storm runoff conveyance to the downstream Surma river. The channel is found to be encroached at many locations of the city and found to be very vulnerable. The authority has taken decision to improve natural channels by a traditional approach, e.g. constructing box culvert. In most cases, stakeholders' participation is ignored in such type of decision making. Hence, efforts were made to evaluate three common alternatives viz. sodding natural channel, lined natural channel and box culvert for the channel improvement. The channel is hydrologically divided into two parts: the upper portion [Choukidekhi-Kanishail] and the lower portion [Kanishail-Topoban]. Both parts were separately analyzed. Small groups of stakeholders were interviewed for the selection of criteria and for the assignment of weighed factor and scores. Experts' opinions were also taken through consultation. Nine criteria from four categories such as technical, economic, environment and social aspects were selected. The relative performances of alternatives were evaluated using the weighed sum technique of multicriteria decision analysis. It was found that the sodding natural channel is the best alternative for both portions of the channel. However, the choice is very sensitive to the social criteria

Sustainable approach of solid waste management of small urban area: case for Habibganj municipality in Bangladesh

Existing solid waste management system of Habibganj municipality [pourashava] of Bangladesh was studied. A total of 234 households were surveyed. Solid waste generation rate was found to be 0.36 kg/cap/day. Household waste disposal was one of the main problems across the city. Among the different options of waste disposal, 21.4% and 23.9% respondents generally threw their wastes into nearby ponds and drains, respectively. About 14.5% of the sampled households discarded their wastes in their respective compound and only 12% households used bins supplied by the municipality. About 10.7% households disposed their garbage on the roadside. Lack of awareness, lack of dustbins, and improper maintenance of drainage system and lack of drainage facilities were the main reasons of the current inadequacy of the management system as reported by 183 [78%] respondents. The result indicate that for a 200 MT capacity composting plant, safe distance will be about 800 m from the disposal site in terms of odorous impact, while 500 m for health impact. In this study, a sustainable management system of solid waste disposal is suggested for the Habibganj municipal area