Waste not that power
Shweta Karnik
As part of its ongoing series on civic issues, DNA today highlights some
overdue strategies the BMC plans to implement in the coming months to manage
the city’s trash problem. From installing automated sweeping machines to
incinerating garbage to generate power and hiring separate vehicles to ply
dry and wet waste, ward officers are trying to work closely with residents
to improve cleanliness and hygiene levels in their neighbourhoods
Effective waste management strategies contribute to the creation of a
cleaner, less wasteful and more sustainable society, says Dr Sneha
Palnitkar, director of the city-based All India Institute of Local
Self-Government. Since 1992, the institute has been working in closely with
the BMC and suggesting measures to rid the city of its trash problem.
“It is imperative that citizens contribute towards keeping the city clean
before they point the finger at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation
(BMC),” she adds. “Unless citizens get involved, no civic body – or any
force on earth – can ever promise a 100 per cent garbage-free city.”
Most cleaning can be done voluntarily, Palnitkar says, and RR Markandeya,
chief engineer with the Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) concurs.
“We had plans where residents segregated waste contributing a great deal to
society,” he says. “However, we plan to make this segregation mandatory and
penalise defaulters Rs1,000 per day.” ]Since 1992, four reports were
submitted to the BMC suggesting various measures.
“Corporators must take on the responsibility and urge residents to keep
wards clean,” Dr Palnitkar says. Dr Palnitkar also has expressed concern
over inadequate collection and disposal facilities in the city. “Even though
citizens segregate waste, the BMC does not have adequate collection
vehicles, which can separately collect wet and dry garbage,” she says.
But the BMC has set plans in motion to tackle some endemic problems. “We
have floated tenders and soon there will be vehicles to collect wet and dry
garbage separately,” says Markandeya. “Vehicles are expected by March-end.”
The civic body also plans to purchase mechanised sweeping machines in some
suburban wards. “We need more automated machines rather than labourers,”
says a BMC official. “Machines will ensure roads are swept more than once in
two shifts.”
The BMC has also decided to float tenders to attract firms interested in
generating power from garbage. “There is a lot of potential in incinerating
garbage to generate power and some byproducts. However, we have yet to work
out the amount of power generated and the process,” says the official.
When asked about the power project, Markandeya says, “We plan to float
tenders by mid-March for firms interested in generating power from garbage.
Besides, we are also setting up plants for composting waste.” Dr Palnitkar
says the city should embrace Western waste management strategies. “We like
imitating the West in all things, but when it comes to civic sense, we seem
to lack the will power. The BMC can provide us with the amenities, but none
of its plans will succeed if we do not cooperate in implementing its plans.”