Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Nov 11: Waste management in Udupi city is becoming a challenging task day by day. The quantity of collection of wastes is increasing. Dry waste is posing a more serious problem than raw waste. The municipal council has now devised a plan to dispose of dry waste scientifically and generate income from the waste itself.
Siddhinagar Streeshakti Group (SHG) and Saahas Waste Management have jointly built a plastic recovery facility in Chitpadi near the Hanuman Garage. The plant built at a cost of Rs 61 lacs boasts of modern machinery that include material processing equipment, plough, handling equipment and office infrastructure.
Chanda Anand Anchan of the Streeshakti Group has taken over the mantle of managing the facility. The staff training has been taken up by the Saahas Waste Management team which has also implemented the project with the help of a grants-in aid from the United Nations.
Initially, when the plastic recovery facility was started, wastes were collected from 160 houses and shops with the help of wheelbarrows. In 2006, a three-wheeler was bought which was used for the collection of wastes. Now, the municipal council collects the waste and sometimes with the help of solid liquid resource management (SLRM) groups.
An average of five tonnes of dry waste is generated on a daily basis in which plastic wastes such as shampoo, drinking water and juice bottles are scientifically sorted and segregated in the facility with the help of the machinery.
Eight personnel have been appointed with all the necessary infrastructure has been provided in the spacious facility. Additional machinery is likely to be installed soon.
Employees enjoy the benefits of provident fund (PF) and employees’ state insurance (ESI) facilities. The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has accorded clearance to the unit as a non-polluting facility.
Chanda Anand Anchan says the facility’s intention is to rid Udupi of plastic and ensure cleanliness of the city.