As part of devising a comprehensive system to scientifically dispose of waste, Kerala has launched Rs 2,400-crore Kerala Solid Waste Management Project (KSWMP) through which various infrastructure will be set up across the state for waste management.
Under the project, which is being carried out by KSWMP in association with the World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the government in coordination with local self bodies will set up material collection facilities (MCFs) and resource recovery facilities (RRFs).
Minister for Local Self Government and Excise M B Rajesh told reporters that 93 urban local bodies (ULBs) across the state will come out with their blueprints on sustainable solid waste management for the next 25 years. As many as 31 ULBs have already prepared the document, where they must carry out sub-projects of big initiatives.The project supports ULBs in establishing centralised treatment facilities in addition to encouraging and streamlining the decentralised systems. The government will also set up state-of-the-art waste management facilities such as bio-methanation plants that enable generation of bio-CNG from waste and windrow compost plants besides integrated facilities under the brand name ‘Bio-Parks’ wherever possible.
“The current financial year will see 87 municipalities and six corporations launching sub-projects worth Rs 300 crore, which is one-fourth of the total grant they are to get to strengthen infrastructure for solid-waste management. The projects will be world class and are slated to be completed in a year,” Rajesh added.
The project envisages transforming MCFs and RRFs from waste collection centres to a community space with all facilities and conducive work environment — to be rebranded as ‘Green Parks’. This will support the ULBs to develop a comprehensive waste transportation system and, within a year, help them establish double-chambered sanitary-napkin incinerators approved by the Pollution Control Board.
As Kerala does not have scientific landfills to dispose of inert waste which cannot be reused or processed, the project will support in establishing world-class scientific landfills at the cluster level. All ULBs will have collection and temporary storage space as part of C&D (construction and demolition) waste management. The project will also support the establishment of a Green Industrial Park that enables creation of large-scale local employment generation and will boost the circular economy. KWSMP will undertake the bio-remediation of all solid waste dumpsites in the ULBs.
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