MARGAO
In a bid to decentralize the treatment of waste, the Margao Municipal Council has embarked on a major exercise to handle the waste generated in the city’s housing societies by planning to incentivize the societies opting for the treatment of the waste at source via biodigesters.
While the municipality in consultation with the Director of Municipal Administration (DMA) Dr Tariq Thomas has proposed to install 50-kg biodigesters, the civic body in return has suggested to the societies to look after the maintenance by promising incentives.
The housing societies, which are categorized as bulk waste generators, have been asked to issue NOCs for the installation of the biodigesters in their premises on land admeasuring 25 square metres.
The cost of the biodigesters will be borne by the civic body, while the societies will have to look after the operation and maintenance for an initial period of five years.
While six of the housing societies have agreed to opt for the biodigesters, the remaining seven have promised to get back to the civic body after placing the proposal before the managing committees for decision.
Besides, the MMC has identified three major bulk generators, all housing societies, which have been asked to install biodigesters with a capacity to handle 150 kilograms of waste per day.
MMC Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes informed that the proposal has been forwarded to the DMA, adding that the installation of the biodigesters will be taken up under a centrally-sponsored scheme, wherein the civic body will install the digesters, while the societies will take care of the operation and maintenance.
“The civic body will start installing the 50-kg biodigesters in the housing societies no sooner the proposal gets the nod from the DMA office,” he said.
The MMC Chief Officer pointed out that one of the most important aspects of any waste management project was how the system is maintained and run post-commissioning. “While we often hear about failures after handovers, MMC will ensure its projects and facilities are operated by the best team of experts to the expectations of the housing societies. The SWM 2016/ BWG guidelines will be strictly adhered to,” he added.
“As part of the programme to ensure compliance of waste management by bulk waste generators as per central guidelines and municipal bye-laws, the MMC will introduce sustainable waste management practice amongst the residential societies of Margao and Fatorda. The project is all about a decentralized approach to treat the wet waste at its source of generation. Post-evaluation of waste generated, space available and cost of operating a suitable technology will be suggested. Present technologies consist of portable biogas, organic waste converter (mechanical composting), drum composting along with operation and maintenance,” he said
Pointing out that segregation is the key to successful waste management practice, the Chief Officer said the civic body will encourage citizens with cash rewards if they minimize the operational cost of the waste treatment. That means societies can earn from their recyclable waste, he added.
Societies or contractors engaged in the treatment of these decentralized units will have to submit a work completion report every half-yearly which will mention waste generated, treated and the one sent for recycling. This will ensure updated information and the functioning of decentralized units.
