The Hindu 05.08.2010
Civic chiefs told to prevent dumping of solid waste
Staff Reporter
Evolving strategies: Member-Secretary of Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust K. Phanindra Reddy (left), in discussion with TNPCB Chairman R. Balakrishnan at a workshop on solid waste management, in Chennai on Wednesday.
CHENNAI: The Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust on Wednesday asked presidents of 25 local bodies located along the banks of the Cooum River to take measures to prevent dumping of solid waste in the river.
The representatives of the local bodies were participating in a workshop on solid waste management organised by the Trust in association with NGOs.
Officials from various government departments participated.
Local bodies such as Perambakkam, Kasavanallathur, Kadambathur, Nolambur, Nerkunram, Vanagaram and Adayalampattu were found to be in urgent need of modern solid waste management methods, according to a study made recently by the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust and Hand-in-Hand, a non government organisation.
The seven local bodies were dumping large quantities of waste in the river.
Absence of segregation of waste at source, lack of funds and technical expertise for waste management and indifference of citizens towards waste management were some of the reasons.
A total of 20 local bodies along the river were yet to take measures on management of plastic waste, according to the study.
Representatives of local bodies have to play a key role in education of citizens on the importance of Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules 2000, said K.Phanindra Reddy, Member Secretary of Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust.
The requirement for appointment of more workers and funds for procuring vehicles for transportation of solid waste has been identified, said T.Udayachandran, Director, Rural Development and Local Administration.
CEO of Hand In Hand Kalpana Shankar stressed the need for tapping new technology for solid waste management.
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board Chairman R. Balakrishnan said the Board was willing to give funds for local bodies seeking technological intervention in managing solid waste.
