The Hindu 31.08.2012
HDMC plans to generate energy from waste
Delegation for Pune soon to evaluate its feasibility
Mayor Pandurang Patil has directed the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Commissioner to ensure that at least eight wards in the twin cities become “dustbin-free” by September-end.
This came after a discussion on the status of solid waste management in the cities, following a call attention motion moved by the former Leader of the Opposition in the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) council, Ganesh Tagargunti, during a meeting on Thursday.
Generating energy
The Mayor asked Municipal Commissioner Y.S. Patil to lead a delegation of councillors and mediapersons to Pune, to look into a method of generating energy out of waste, before September 10.
If the delegation was convinced of the feasibility of such a project, then the corporation could go ahead with establishing a unit here, he said. A Pune-based firm had made a presentation at the council meeting a few months ago on setting up the unit here, and had sought land and investment for the purpose. Earlier, raising the issue, Mr. Tagargunti expressed concern over the solid waste management system in the twin cities. The garbage problem being faced by Bangalore should be an eye-opener, he said.
Joint Commissioner Virendra Kundagol pointed out that a proposal to set up garbage disposal system at Shivalli village was being considered by the State government. But, the members stressed on the need to look for an alternative.
The Municipal Commissioner said the proposal pertaining to integrated solid waste management had been split into two packages — transportation and disposal — and only the State government could take the final decision on the issue.
He promised to take the delegation to Pune soon.The Mayor added that having presspersons as part of the delegation was essential to maintain transparency.
