The Hindu - Andhra Pradesh 17.08.2009
ITC-GVMC pact for dry garbage collection
Staff Reporter
| 30 per cent of it to be used in making paper by recycling it |
Dry garbage will be collected at the rate of Rs.2 to Rs.4 a kg
Scheme envisages people’s participation in protection of the environment
VISAKHAPATNAM: Entering into an agreement with multi-business conglomerate ITC, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) on Sunday formally launched collection of dry garbage in an experimental basis in Zone III. About 30 per cent dry garbage produced in the city will be used in making paper by recycling it. After a 15-day extensive campaign the implementation will commence on September 1.
Launching the programme at Rani Chandramani Devi Hospital, Mayor Pulusu Janardhana Rao said in Zone III people should stock dry garbage like papers, plastic, iron and other metals in the special covers provided by ITC which would be collected after paying for it. If the scheme turned out to be successful, it would be implemented in phases all over the city. The scheme envisaged people’s participation in protection of environment.
Visakhapatnam (South) MLA Dronamraju Srinivasa Rao lauded the plan to dispose of garbage in an environment-friendly manner even as money was given for it.
Commissioner B. Sridhar said the successful implementation of the scheme would reduce garbage by 30 per cent in the city, save space in the dumping yard, manpower utilisation and fuel for transportation.
ITC Vice-President (Commercial) B.V.S. Joga Rao said dry garbage would be collected at the rate of Rs.2 to Rs.4 a kg. for recycling and making paper. This would save the felling of trees for making paper and help in restoring ecological balance. Agreements have been entered into with Hyderabad and Tirupathi municipal corporations besides 25 other civic bodies.
Play staged
Publicity material was given away and a street play staged on the occasion. Additional Commissioners S. Krishna Murthy and P. Purnachandra Rao, Chief Medical Officer (Health) D. Abbulu and local corporator Muttu Paiditalli participated.
