In an effort to minimise the quantum of waste reaching its landfill sites, the Tambaram Municipality has begun implementing several projects in accordance with the Swachh Bharat Mission and new municipal solid waste rules.
A meeting was held recently by G. Prakash, Commissioner of Municipal Administration, wherein it was decided to segregate waste at the source.
20 sheds planned
Accordingly, the municipality has planned to construct 20 sheds for micro-composting at a cost of ₹6.6 crore. The first one constructed on Velachery Main Road in Aadhi Nagar, Selaiyur, was inaugurated by the Tambaram Municipal Commissioner K. Krishnamurthy.
“These micro-composting centres will use the kitchen, garden and food waste from households and produce organic garden manure in 40 days. The manure will be supplied to residents free of cost,” said Mr. Krishnamurthy.
He added that in seven places, slightly bigger micro-composting centres would be constructed at a cost of ₹50 lakh and the works were going on in full swing. In other places, the work would begin in a phased manner.
Sanitary Officer C. Arivuchelvam and Inspector N. Sivakumar, who were overseeing solid waste management in the municipal limits, said that they had initiated the centre at Aadhi Nagar as a model, and they were environment-friendly, emitting no odour due to the rotting of waste.
“Residents have been requested to send bio-degradable waste for six days and on Wednesdays they can send non-biodegradable waste through the conservancy workers. The details of the new system are being disseminated to residents through awareness programmes. With cooperation from residents and commercial establishments in the coming months, the recycling of these wastes will bring in more greenery in the municipal limits,” said Mr. Krishnamurthy.
