After trying out several municipal solid waste (MSW) processing technologies in the past, the government has identified incineration as one of the suitable methods after taking into consideration of land scarcity and other factors.
A detailed project report for MSW disposal through incineration was prepared by the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Puducherry, for the Department of Local Administration. Claiming that the Union Territory is the first in completing such plan in the country, the government also submitted the report and an affidavit to the National Green Tribunal, New Delhi, recently which was hearing an application by environmental activist Almitra H. Patel who sought a nation-wide strategy for solid waste management.
A top official in Puducherry told The Hindu , “We have analysed various technologies practised in Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and Korea. We have identified that Japanese method of disposing waste through incinerator as an ideal method.”
As per the report, Puducherry has been rated as only the second city in the country having highest per capita income next to New Delhi. Thus per capita waste generation is also proportionally higher than the national average. It has been estimated that per capita waste generation in Puducherry is 500 gm and nearly 500 tonne of waste is being generated every day. With the projected population rising to about eight lakh in the year 2020, it would translate into an estimated 16,000 tonnes of waste generated.
At present, garbage is being collected, transported and disposed at the Kurumbapet dumping yard without any scientific processing. It leads to spread of obnoxious odour and fly infestation in the area. The existing practice poses challenges to health and environment. The haphazard disposal of waste gives an ugly face to the coastal city, which is a major tourist destination.
Last year, a team under Chief Minister N. Rangasamy visited Malaysia and Singapore to know more about MSW disposal methods practised there. After evaluating various options, the government decided upon the adopting incineration.
Terming incineration one of the prime methods practised around the world, the report also said the non-availability of suitable land is major constraint for not adopting secured land fill and composting process or any other option. In all, 12 incineration facilities are successfully operating within the urban limit for more than two decades without causing any public health and environmental problem.
The officials also selected the site spread over 23.88 acres for setting up of MSW processing at Kurumbapet, Villianur taluk. A 7,000 square meter space has been earmarked for the secured land fill of inert materials and incinerated ash. An environment impact assessment was also completed.
Fixing the estimated cost of the installation of incinerator at Rs. 212 crore, the report also said a proposal seeking a loan of Rs. 202 crore had been submitted to Japan International Cooperation Agency. The balance amount of Rs.10.33 crore would be met by from the State government grant. The project is expected to be commissioned within 20 months.
An official said, “The entire report has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Urban Development for approval. The project can be easily implemented from 20 per cent grant of the Union government under the Swacch Bharat Programme.”
Estimated cost of installing incinerator is Rs. 212 crore
