With the State government approving rules that will eliminate the role of contractors in solid waste management (SWM), the BBMP is looking for someone to step in their shoes and provide vehicles and staff for transporting waste. Civic officials have decided to invite tenders from automotive companies.
Once the contractor system is phased out, possibly within the next three months, BBMP will need to source 400 compactors and 4,000 autorickshaws. It owns 76 compactors, and recently sanctioned the purchase of 700 autorickshaws for dry waste collection in 198 wards.
Officials hope that automotive companies will help cover the deficit.
"We are inviting tenders from companies that can provide not just autorickshaws, but also drivers and people to maintain them," said Sarfaraz Khan, Joint Commissioner for SWM.
The companies will be expected to maintain the vehicles, most of which will be new, and ensure regular payment to drivers and cleaning staff.
This model, say officials, will avoid the pitfalls in the contractor system. There will be a clear division of roles between the pourakarmikas, who will be paid directly by the BBMP, and the people manning the compactors and autorickshaws, say officials.
If this plan takes off, there will be additional financial burden on the BBMP. The civic body shells out ₹4 crore for 400 compactors and another ₹17.2 crore for 4,000 autorickshaws every month, including staff salaries.
Hook loaders to streamline transport of waste
One of the major problems secondary waste collection points turning into stench-filled black spots in no time. To solve this problem, the SWM Department has decided to invite tenders for hook loaders.
Hook loaders are similar to compactors, but will be closed at the top and contain six compartments for waste. A crane lifts a waste cart on to the chassis of the truck. "The compartments are loaded like how match boxes are stacked together," said Sandhya Narayan, a member of the SWM Round Table.
“It will be a neat and clean system. The waste will get compacted and won’t leak on the way,” according to Mr. Khan. Tenders would be called for procuring 120 hook loaders.
No. of vehicles needed by BBMP
Compactors - 400
Autorickshaws - 4,000
Hook loaders - 120
