Waste woes: BMC takes steps to speed up treatment process

“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.