Mumbai: Given that a large number of bulk-waste-generating housing societies are yet to set up wet waste composting units, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to identify the reasons for this non-compliance and provide necessary assistance.
However, if a housing society does not comply with the norms even after receiving assistance, the BMC will file a complaint against the defaulter with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, and the society will face action as per the Environment Impact Assessment notification.
In June, the municipal corporation made it mandatory for housing societies that produce over 100 kg of waste daily or have an area above 20,000 sq.m. to start segregating garbage and compost wet waste from October 2.
However, 93% of the societies missed the deadline, while some asked for a three-month extension.
In the BMC’s monthly review meeting on Saturday, Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta asked all assistant commissioners to visit bulk garbage generators who haven’t yet set up waste composting units, assess their troubles and provide necessary help.
“These societies have taken environmental clearance for their buildings and it is binding on them to set up a wet waste composting unit. If a complaint against a society is filed with the MPCB, the board might cut electricity and water supply of the society. However, this is the last resort, and the BMC does not wish to go that far,” an official from the Solid Waste Management Department said.
Mr. Mehta has asked ward officers to submit a list of defaulters within 15 days.
ALMs under scrutiny
Mr. Mehta has also asked assistant commissioners to review areas chosen under Advance Locality Management (ALM). ALMs are neighbourhoods whose citizens commit to work to improve cleanliness and other aspects of the area. One of the prerequisites for the formation of an ALM is segregation of garbage at source.
Any ALM not actively participating in the BMC’s waste management and composting project will be unregistered. ALM officer Subhash Patil said, “ALMs are participating actively on three fronts: cleaning, beautifying and vermiculture. But they need to function more efficiently.”
Mr. Mehta has also asked ward officers to inspect societies built after 2007 that have demarcated space for compost units in the Development Plan. If the area is being used for any other purpose, then the societies will face legal action.
