Waste woes: BMC takes steps to speed up treatment process

Owing to the state government's slack response to garbage treatment problems at the city's dumping grounds, BMC has now decided to take matters into its own hands. It is considering entering into an agreement with landfill contractors, sans approval from the state, for amending a clause in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act. This is expected to speed up construction of composting plants at Deonar, Mulund and Kanjurmarg landfills.

Till date, garbage remains untreated at the two main dumping grounds as contractors refuse to set up a treatment facility without their names being added to the land lease agreement between BMC and the state government. At the new Kanjurmarg landfill, only 500 metric tonnes of waste is being composted.

"We have been writing to the government for the last two years, but there has been no response. We are now thinking of entering into an informal agreement with the contractors, and carry on with the work without formal approval from the state government. The proposal has been sent to the municipal commissioner," said Prakash Patil, deputy municipal commissioner.

Last monsoon, chronic shortage of garbage collection vehicles put the spotlight on the waste management problems of the city. According to the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) rules of 2000, the state must provide land to the corporation for garbage treatment and disposal plants, and the corporation must ensure that the waste is processed.

"The contractors should start work without this lease agreement but the situation is a deadlock. It is difficult for them to get bank funds to set up the composting plant without the lease agreement in their name. We want to transfer the land lease agreement to their name but our hands are tied until the state responds," said Patil.

Garbage Dump

The city produces 6,500 metric tonnes of MSW daily. At present, the Kanjurmarg dumping ground, which is partially opened, receives 500 metric tonnes of garbage. Mulund receives 1,000-1,500 metric tonnes of garbage and Deonar receives the remaining chunk.

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