The Hindu     05.09.2012

Segregation of waste at source to be mandatory

The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is working on a plan to clear the accumulated waste in its four landfills on the city’s outskirts, besides ensuring that in a year’s time, the city’s waste is managed scientifically.

BBMP Commissioner Rajneesh Goel told presspersons here on Tuesday that an order would be issued in a week making segregation of waste at source mandatory. He was confident of finding support from residents, resident welfare associations and non-governmental organisations working for effective solid waste management.

Stating that the civic body would not be giving bins to citizens, he said it would only issue the specifications and identify authorised dealers from whom the bins could be bought. “Though the order will be issued before Sunday, its implementation may take time. There will be operational issues, including training pourakarmikas.”

Ban on plastic

Along with the order, the BBMP is planning to enforce ban on use and manufacture of plastic less than 40 micron thickness in the city. On Monday, the BBMP officials seized 1,800 kg of plastic covers. A whopping 7.5 tonnes of plastic was seized and a penalty of Rs. 98,700 imposed during the raid on shops in Gandhinagar, Avenue Road, City Market and Malleswaram areas on Tuesday.

Mr. Goel stressed the need to have decentralised segregation centres in at least 100 wards. “Resources are not an issue. There are funds under the 13th Finance Commission sanctioned for the scientific management of garbage amounting to Rs. 237 crore.” He said the BBMP was working out a plan to fix routes for garbage trucks with designated stops, much like the stops for the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation. “This is still being worked out. We will design it with aid of Geographical Information System,” he said.