Madurai: Come June, a new waste management system will come into force
in the city, making it mandatory for residents to segregate garbage at
source before it is collected by corporation workers.

The Madurai Corporation will start collecting waste material
segregated into biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste from June 1.
The corporation will also collect a fee ranging between Rs 10 and Rs
30,000 per month from residents, shops and commercial establishments as
per the by-laws framed by the civic body under the Solid Waste
Management Rules, 2016.

Commissioner Sandeep Nanduri, while taking to reporters on the
sideline of Happy Street, said that they will start collecting
segregated waste by June 1. Starting June 5, segregation at source will
become mandatory. “Waste will be collected only if it is segregated into
biodegradable and non-biodegradable material. There is nothing waste.
The biodegradable waste can be used for various purposes, including
production of biogas, electricity and fertilizers,” he said.

The by-laws for waste segregation
framed before April were kept for public viewing for a week’s time from
April 1. According to it, a fine will be imposed for not segregating
wastes and also dumping waste in open areas, roadsides or waterbodies.
The fine amount will range between Rs 100 and Rs 15, 000 according to
the nature of the waste and those found violating the rules.

Earlier, addressing people during the event, Sandeep Nanduri urged
them not to use plastic bags, which pollute the environment. He also
advised residents to use water judiciously. “At this time of water
crisis, the corporation with the help of the state government has been
taking all possible steps to maintain water supply. I want you to
conserve water and use it judiciously,” he said.