Landfill site suitability analysis for solid waste management in a major tourist hotspot of Bihar, using a multi-criterion decision approach

Rapid urbanization and tourism growth in Rajgir, Bihar, have increased solid waste generation, requiring scientifically planned landfill sites. This study evaluates landfill suitability using multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) integrated with analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Twelve physiographic, socio-economic and environmental indicators were weighted and integrated using a weighted-overlay approach. Only 278 ha (1.93%) of the study area was classified as highly suitable, while 57.79% was moderately suitable and 21.92% less suitable. Distance from roads (25.3%) and water bodies (20.7%) were the most influential criteria. A ±20% sensitivity analysis identified road distance, water-body distance and LULC as the most sensitive criteria. Four highly suitable candidate clusters were further evaluated based on road accessibility, proximity to heritage and religious places, distance from the city and site size. Site D achieved the highest composite priority. The framework provides preliminary guidance for sustainable landfill planning, subject to detailed engineering, environmental, land-ownership, cost and community assessments.