In the midst of yet another controversy over the dumping yard at Vadavathur, the authorities of the Kottayam municipality have sought to clarify that no decision has been made to adopt the landfill method for waste disposal. Instead, the method of capping would be made use of in order to check any contamination from the waste accumulated at the yard.
At a press conference jointly called on Sunday by authorities of the Kottayam municipality and Vijayapuram grama panchayat, where the yard is located, municipal chairman Sunny Kalloor said that the State government had decided to pursue the capping method after consultations with experts in waste management.
The Suchitwa Mission has been entrusted with the preparation of the proposed project. The project is estimated to cost around Rs.2 crore.
Municipal authorities said the project will involve accumulating the existing garbage, currently spread over an area of about 4 acres, within a plot of nearly 2.5 acres. The garbage would then be consolidated to prevent loose portions from falling off. A layer of dust, 30-40 cm thick, would be laid on the bottom layer and a slope would then be created over the entire area in order to ensure the unhindered flow of liquid waste. A 15 cm-thick layer of soil will then be provided, following which a high density polyethylene sheet would be laid in order to prevent water from seeping in. Another topping of soil would be provided and then a layer of geo-textile.
A final layer of red soil would form the topmost layer into which shrubs would be planted.
An area of greenery could be created to ensure the riddance of the stench as well as the eyesore created by the presence of heaps of waste materials. A treatment plant would be established alongside to collect the flowing liquid waste.
In addition, pipes would be laid horizontally and vertically within the accumulated garbage in order to collect the naturally-formed methane gas that could be used for lighting and other uses.
Mr. Kalloor added that the proposed method had proven successful in many major cities in the country including Ahmedabad, where the resultant methane is being used on an industrial scale. Nearly 20 municipalities in the State have already implemented the system. According to him, the scientific method has found acceptance from various quarters and would prevent further pollution and inconvenience for the local inhabitants.
Vijayapuram grama panchayat president N. Jeevakumar said a grama sabha meeting had recently been convened by the Home Minister and local MLA Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan during which the proposal was explained to local inhabitants. It was decided to implement the project only after receiving wholehearted support from all residing in the locality, he said.
Suchitwa Mission to prepare project
Accumulated waste to be capped with green cover to contain stench
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