Over 7,300 tonnes of solid waste generated daily in ULBs; circular on scientific disposal soon, says Minister

Excluding the Greater Bengaluru Authority area, about 7,304 tonnes of solid waste are generated across 325 urban local bodies in the State, of which around 6,083 tonnes are being processed, Municipal Administration Minister Rahim Khan informed the Legislative Council on Tuesday.

Replying to BJP member D.S. Arun, the Minister said steps would be taken to ensure full processing of waste. He pointed out that a circular mandating strict adherence to scientific waste management practices would be issued shortly.

Mr. Khan said 219 urban local bodies already have solid waste processing units in place. However, some lack basic infrastructure required for effective waste management. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), detailed project reports have been prepared and works are under way to create the necessary facilities.

No land available

Of the 325 urban local bodies, 38 do not have land available for waste processing. In such cases, cluster-based models are being adopted, he said. Delays in establishing processing units were also due to public opposition and litigation, he pointed out..

The Minister said efforts were being made to create awareness on segregation of waste at source, and provisions exist to impose penalties on those who fail to comply.

Mafia

Raising the issue, Mr. Arun alleged that waste disposal in the State was in the grip of a “mafia”, with a strong lobby controlling operations. He said scientific handling of e-waste and biomedical waste was inadequate and that the problem extended to rural areas as well.

He called for better coordination among departments such as rural development and urban development to address the issue comprehensively.