Clean Thrikkakara project launched to address waste management issues

The initiative will collect garbage from 20,000 households

The total cost of the project is Rs. 1.20 crore. File Photo

Aimed at facilitating waste management alongside development, the Urban Affairs Ministry is all set to establish a major plastic shredding unit exclusively for the Kochi Corporation.

Inaugurating the Clean Thrikkakara, a project to collect waste directly from 20,000-odd households within Thrikkakara municipality, Urban Affairs Minister Manjalamkuzhy Ali said here on Friday that tenders had been invited and the plant would be operational by August this year.

‘Relief for city dwellers’

“The unit is expected to be a great relief for city folks who are grappling with mounting piles of plastic waste,” he said.

“Using shredded plastic for laying roads is the best solution for disposing of plastic waste. More people must come forward to support the initiative,” he added. On the occasion, the minister also expressed willingness to set up a scientific abattoir at a 50 cent property owned by the Thrikkakara Municipality. He also said that the state government would allot a fund of Rs.10 lakh for the ambitious and futuristic project.

Further, steps have been taken to address the acute staff shortage in about 20 municipalities across the state, including Thrikkakara.

Benny Behnan MLA, who presided over the event, said that funds would be sought from the state government for a host of project proposals required for the comprehensive development of Thrikkakara.

Systematic collection

Under the Clean Thrikkakara project, each of the households will be provided with two plastic bins, one for bio-waste and another for plastic and paper waste.

The waste collected will be transported for processing using two trucks and 15 pick-up auto rickshaws, bought under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) scheme. The total cost of the project is Rs. 1.20 crore.

Imposition of fines

Along with this, the municipality will also put in place a surveillance system to ensure that waste is not dumped on roadsides.

The authorities propose to levy heavy fines from people caught dumping waste in public spaces.

After monitoring the functioning of the project, municipal authorities will be also incorporate more components based on requirement and feasibility.