The Indian Express              10.09.2013

Corporators in favour of mini tempos for garbage collection, PMC says not feasible

The administration has struck down the plan by saying that it is not economically feasible and instead suggested the use of large containers for collection .

"Going by the past experience and operating cost of mini tempo, the vehicle is neither economically feasible nor efficient," said Joint Municipal Commissioner Suresh Jagtap in the proposal tabled before the standing committee.

He added, "Apart from the cost of vehicles, the expenditure on driver, cleaner and fuel is around Rs 1,200 a day, which is too much ." The vehicle, which costs Rs 5 lakh, enables garbage collection of 150-175 kg in a single trip. The civic body incurs Rs 2,500 for transporting a tonne of waste.

Civic officials said the capacity of the engine of the vehicle is less and it frequently leads to breakdown, thereby hampering the garbage collection process. "At times, many workers load debris in the vehicle damaging the hydraulic jack of the vehicle," said Jagtap, adding the civic vehicle department does not have expertise and spare parts required to repair such vehicles.

Jagtap said the civic body already has a fleet of 40 such vehicles and every time it sends vehicles for repair to manufacturing company, it takes a lot of time.

He said the mini tempo, which is generally used to collect waste directly from houses, is not required as the civic body already has door-to-door waste collection service. The increasing demand for mini tempos will affect the existing door-to-door waste collection system, he added.

Meanwhile, the civic administration has decided to take a policy decision and purchase such

vehicles only for congested areas after approval from the municipal commissioner.