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.