The Hindu             20.06.2013

Zero garbage model from July 1

: Ever since the garbage problem erupted in the city last August, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has been making noises about segregation of waste at source. Though segregation has been made mandatory, it has still not taken off.

The BBMP is now set to launch the zero garbage programme on a pilot basis in 30 wards across the city from July 1, BBMP commissioner M. Lakshminarayana, said at a talk organised by the Advocates’ Association, Bangalore, here on Wednesday.

The civic body had initially identified 30 wards — seven wards each in the east, west and south zones and two each in Bommanahalli, R.R. Nagar, Mahadevapura, Dasarahalli and Yelahanka zones.

Of the 30 wards, the BBMP will take up the programme in 22 wards, while Indian Tobacco Company (ITC), the civic body’s partner in the project, will take it up in eight other wards.

According to a senior BBMP official, the wards were chosen on the basis of the preparedness of the dry waste collection centres (DWCC) and mobilisation of manpower by the new garbage contractors. “The wards were chosen only after we were certain that the DWCCs there were up and running. This way, the BBMP is assured that the programme will not be a failure.”

The BBMP will be relying on the expertise of the local associations, including non-governmental organisations, self-help groups, residents’ welfare associations and rag pickers’ associations, to ensure that the project is a success.

The zonal commissioners have been entrusted with the responsibility of identifying these associations. The wet waste from these wards will be sent to the Karnataka Compost Development Corporation facility in Kudlu.

With the segregation of waste at source, the quantum of garbage going to landfills and dumping yards will reduce, Mr. Lakshminarayana said. “As per rough estimates, the 30 wards generate around 500 tonnes of waste. Of this, around 30 per cent is dry waste — around 150 tonnes — consisting of paper, plastic, metals and glass, which can be recycled. A small quantity of inert waste will be sent to landfills,” he said.