Extra waste generation during Ramzan a challenge to GHMC

With monsoon expected to arrive in the first fortnight of June, the
additional plastic waste generated during Ramzan could present a problem
to storm water de-silting process.

Officials of the Greater
Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) said a spike in generation of
waste is witnessed primarily on two occasions: during Ganesh Chaturthi
and Ramzan. And with restaurants and eateries doing brisk business in
the holy month, the city sees an additional waste generation of up to
approximately 300 metric tonnes per day.

“The spoons and bowls,
particularly used by haleem outlets, are made of plastic. Then there are
those who use use polythene bags to carry food and other items. At
times, the waste is dumped into nalas,” a GHMC official said.

Project
Director of GHMC’s Swachh Bharat Mission Soma Bharat said that the
daily generation of waste ranges roughly between 4,600 and 5,000 metric
tonnes per day. “During Ramzan, an additional 200 metric tonnes to 300
tonnes is generated per day. Of this, around 20% is plastic waste,” he
said.

Officials said to tackle disposal of waste, GHMC had a
meeting with owners of restaurants and eateries. A circular has been
sent to officials instructing them to complete de-silting by May 16 and
ensure garbage lifting around masjids on a daily basis.