Collective action: solid waste management in Delhi
Student name: Ms Mehak Kaushik
Guide: Mr Soumendu Sarkar
Year of completion: 2015
Host Organisation: TERI University
Abstract: Problem of collective action arises when individuals cannot be excluded from appropriating a resource or from reaping benefits of a good. This thesis uses experimental approach in a voluntary contribution mechanism towards the provision of clean milieu by incorporating individuals’ heterogeneity in preferences for cleanliness (public good). The heterogeneity in preferences is captured by MPCR and threshold level of group contribution towards the public good. It is found that individuals with low MPCR and low threshold level contribute the least. Additionally, this thesis is supported by a qualitative analysis to determine individuals’ threshold level for cleanliness and cooperation level amongst the residents of Delhi. It was found that individuals residing in colonies with highest level and lowest level (amongst the surveyed categories of colonies) of civic amenities showed lower level of cooperation among each other and lower level of threshold level for cleanliness than residents of colonies where these amenities are provided at an intermediary (as interpreted from the category given to these colonies) level.
Keywords: public good, waste disposal, prisoners’ dilemma, heterogeneity, MPCR, threshold level
