Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Jan 23: The solid waste management project of Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) was inaugurated by urban development minister Vinay Kumar Sorake with the slogan 'Namma Mangaluru Swacha Mangaluru' at Karavali Utsav ground here on Friday January 23.

Addressing the gathering, Sorake said, "The year 2015 has been good for Mangaluru and Mangalureans so far. Mangaluru is the first city to get solid waste management project. It is being implemented as on a pilot basis. As we all know, Bengaluru is termed as the Garden City of India but because of the garbage problem it is now termed as the garbage city.

"Our government has sanctioned Rs 999 crore under KUDCEMP-1. One sewage treatment plant has been inaugurated today here at Mangaluru. People are suffering from different diseases because of the waste. Our motto is to make Mangaluru malaria-free. In KUDCEMP-2 Rs 288 crore will be sanctioned for Mangaluru," he added.

"Waste has become an asset today as we can use it to prepare manure and gas. We have already given Rs 23 crore under SFC scheme, and Rs 2.5 crore for graveyard and park development. As per the request of Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo, the state government has sanctioned Rs 4.97 crore for Kadri Deer Park development," he informed.

He also appreciated J R lobo and said, "KUDCEMP under the leadership of J R Lobo developed Pilikula which is one of its kind in the whole of India. Mangaluru North MLA Mohiuddin Bawa also has given a proposal for developing a park in his constituency and it is under review. Thumbay dam will get Rs 75 crore under corporation and water board. Request has been sent to the centre to include Mangaluru in Smart City project, though the population is less than 5 lac. Mangaluru should become an example to the nation for 'Swachch Bharat Abhiyan'."

J R Lobo addressed the gathering and said, "Mangalore City Corporation has taken a decisive step to implement waste management project even though the financial condition of the corporation is not that good. I thank the mayor and all our council members for taking this bold step in the interest of the public.

"Usually we only think of how to spend money on different projects but we also have to concentrate on increasing the revenue for the corporation. I urge the urban development minister to liberalize the procedures since we have been trying hard for the development of markets, but officials are not responding positively. I thank the urban development minister for his support and cooperation in sanctioning funds for Kadri Deer Park development."

Mohiuddin Bawa, MLA of Mangaluru North said, "I request the minister to sanction more funds for my constituency, which is earning a high revenue for the city corporation as companies like MCF have their plants in my constituency. Many proposals are pending before the urban development ministry and I urge you (Sorake) to sanction the proposals. I also request you to make some arrangements for the people who live near Pachanady dumpyard."

Mayor Mahabala Maarla said, "I thank the minister for giving extra grants for our city. It is the responsibilty of each one of us to make this project successful. I request the minister to give clearance for development of markests in Mangaluru."

MCC opposition leader Premananda Shetty said, "As this is a pilot project I request the minister to review the project every 3 months. According to the contract it is said that the project will be implemented step by step. When it will reach completion is the question."

Former mayor Shashidar Hegde, deputy mayor Kavita, corporator Jacintha Alfred, Dr Harish Kumar, MCC commissioner Hephsiba Rani Korlapati and Jose Jacob, MD of Mumbai-based Anthony waste mangement firm were the other dignitaries on the dias.

Environment engineer Madhu welcomed the dignitaries on the dais. The formal function started with a prayer.

Highlights of the project

City will be divided into 2 zones - North and South
Term of contract is 7 years
Contractors will employ hydraulic vehicles in their own expense
Collected waste will be transported through hydraulic vehicles
4 sea shores of Surathkal area will be cleaned.
Cleaning 25 km road in heart of city
Company will employ 23 mini tipper, 16 compactors and 700 employees, 1 automatic vehicle, 3 drainage cleaning machines.

From Surathkal to Mannagudda every trip will be charged Rs 3,201 per ton and Derebail to Jappinamogaru will cost Rs 2,501 per trip. The total annual expenses will be 17.62 crore.