This is an archive article published on August 27, 2024
BMC to deploy informal waste pickers to improve segregation
The BMC has invited an expression of interest (EoI) inviting NGOs and members from organisations involved in waste picking to submit their interests.
Written by Pratip Acharya
Mumbai | Updated: August 27, 2024 09:24 PM IST
3 min read
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Civic officials said that the informal waste pickers will be deployed at these RTS sites. (File Photo)
IN A bid to improve segregation of solid waste in Mumbai at the waste unloading sites and dumping grounds, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to deploy informal waste pickers, officials said.
These waste pickers will be deployed to work in the BMC’s landfill at Deonar along with the Refuse Transfer Stations (RTS) in Mahalaxmi, Kurla, Gorai and Versova.
An RTS or waste unloading site is a processing facility that serves as the temporary deposition and aggregation of solid waste in Mumbai.
After collecting waste from the residential and commercial units, the BMC’s dumpers deposit these waste in these RTS stations following which they are sent either to the Deonar landfill or Kanjurmarg waste processing facility.
Civic officials said that the informal waste pickers will be deployed at these RTS sites.
“Their work will be to segregate the solid waste and extract the dry wet waste. This will allow them to take out scrap and waste items like plastic, glass, polythene and electrical waste that already has a resale value which will enable them to generate revenue,” said a civic official.
Civic officials maintained that earlier there was no centralised approach of integrating, deploying a coordinating the waste pickers, so often there used to be clashes among various groups of waste pickers who would pick up dry waste from BMC bins in an attempt to resale and recycle them.
“The current approach is being implemented to ensure waste is segregated in a systemic way, since proper segregation of solid waste will lead to better scientific treatment, reduced disposal of waste in landfill and bring down the overall quantum of generated waste,” the official said.
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The BMC has invited an expression of interest (EoI) inviting NGOs and members from organisations involved in waste picking to submit their interests.
Civic authorities said that the BMC will not pay the pickers, however the waste pickers will be able to recycle and resale dry waste in the market and keep the generated revenue with them.
BMC’s data show that out daily 600-700 Metric Tonnes (MT) of waste is disposed at Deonar ground, followed by 650 MT at Mahalaxmi RTS, 400 MT at Gorai RTS, 300 MT at Versova RTS and 700 MT at Kurla RTS. At present, Mumbai generates around 6,000 MT of solid waste daily.
Pratip Acharya is a seasoned journalist based in Mumbai reporting for The Indian Express. With a career spanning over a decade, his work demonstrates strong Expertise and Authority in critical urban issues, civic affairs, and electoral politics across Eastern and Western India.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express (IE), reporting from Mumbai.
Core Authority: Pratip's reporting focuses sharply on local democracy and development, specializing in:
Urban Governance and Civic Affairs: Providing in-depth analysis of municipal decision-making, city planning, and local infrastructure, essential for informed urban reporting.
City Politics and Environment: Covering the political dynamics of Mumbai and surrounding areas, alongside critical environmental challenges impacting the metro region.
Electoral Coverage (High-Stakes Experience): He has extensive experience in high-stakes political reporting, having covered major elections, establishing his Trustworthiness in political analysis:
National: Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and 2019.
State: West Bengal Assembly elections in 2016 and Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2019.
Major Assignments (Ground Reporting): Pratip demonstrated commitment during crises by conducting ground reporting throughout the Covid-19 pandemic since its breakout in 2020, offering first-hand accounts and analysis of the public health crisis.
Experience
Extensive Experience: Starting his career in 2014, Pratip has built his foundation across multiple prominent English dailies:
Started at The Times of India in Kolkata (2014).
Relocated to Mumbai (2016) and worked with The Free Press Journal and Hindustan Times before joining The Indian Express.
Pratip Acharya's diverse experience across major publications, coupled with his specialized focus on the intricate details of urban governance and a track record of covering major electoral and health crises, establishes him as a trusted and authoritative source for news from India's critical metropolitan centres. ... Read More
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