The Hindu 03.11.2010
Corporation initiates efforts to dispose of construction debris
| Quarries that have been identified can hold waste for over ten years |
KILLING A TANK: Unauthorised dumping of debris at Valankulam, a major water resource in the city. -
COIMBATORE: In an effort to regulate the disposal of construction debris, the Coimbatore Corporation has initiated efforts by looking for dumping sites.
Anshul Mishra, Commissioner, said the civic body had written to the Collector, P. Umanath, seeking permission to dispose of the debris in three unused and abandoned quarries.
Corporation officials told The Hindu that the quarries identified could hold debris for more than 10 years. The quarries were in Madukkarai, along the National Highway.
Mr. Mishra said the Corporation wanted a safe dumping site for two reasons: one, for the safe disposal of the debris, and, two, for better management of degradable and non-degradable wastes.
When the construction debris got mixed with degradable waste, it became difficult to produce compost.
And, most often, the debris was dumped on lake bunds and open places.
Graveyards in Chokkampudur and Kavundampalayam and Periyakulam, Valangkulam and Singanallur lakes and vacant plots in the city had turned into favourite sites for dumping debris from buildings demolished both within and outside the Corporation area, he pointed out.
The debris on lake bunds polluted the water and also helped bring down the lake area.
The officials said that the Corporation cleaned between 50 and 60 tonnes of construction debris everyday from areas in the city.
