PATNA: The problem of solid waste continues to plague Patnaites as Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) is yet to give a no objection letter to the newly appointed waste management companies appointed by the urban development department. The Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNURM) had sanctioned Rs 110 crore for installation of a waste recycling plant but the work could not take off due to the delay by the PMC officials.For the last couple of years, the solid waste is being dumped at Beriah which is marked for the purpose.

"The PMC was allotted 70 acres of land to use as dump yard and the waste recycling plant was also supposed to be installed there. But due to some departmental hiccups the project is delayed," said PMC chief engineer RK Verma.PMC sources said the state urban development department had directed Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited ( BUDCO) to float a global tender following which three companies - Jindal ITF Urban Infrastructure Limited, MBM Dallah and Urshasar - had been awarded the tender to work for the solid waste management in the state capital.

"BUDCO is entitled to charge Rs 510 against the collection of 10 tonnes of solid garbage from the appointed company. But some PMC officials raised objection, claiming that PMC should be the sole agency to collect any tax for providing civic amenities. The civic body representatives denied to give a no objection letter to the project which was supposed to start functioning in October this year," said the PMC official.The 72 wards under PMC generates 1000 tonnes of solid waste daily. During the first phase, creating infrastructure for collection, segregation, transportation and treatment of solid waste for the production and sale of compost will be completely done by the newly appointed companies.

After the installation of the waste treatment plant, waste recycling will also be done by the companies concerned.The project, along with its DPR, had been presented by the companies concerned as per the guidelines of the JNURM which has stressed on public-private partnership (PPP).