Compost, energy to replace solid waste

SHIMLA, Feb 10: The Rs. 7.3-crore Shimla Solid Waste Management Plan, which will help convert solid waste into energy or compost, is like...

SHIMLA, Feb 10: The Rs. 7.3-crore Shimla Solid Waste Management Plan, which will help convert solid waste into energy or compost, is likely to be implemented by the month-end, after finalisation of tenders for selection of technology.

The plan, an externally-aided project, would be implemented with the help of Norwegian government, which is a partner in it. Commissioner of Shimla Municipal Corporation Nisha Singh told ENS that the project would be made fully operational within a year, which would help keep Shimla cleaner as it would ensure disposal of its garbage properly.

Admitting the delay in the project, she said the MC was in the process of finalising the technology for the project, tenders for which had already been invited from private parties.

The plan is a project with 70 per cent share of the Norwegian government in the project after the signing of a tripartite agreement among the Government of Norway, Government of India and Government of Himachal Pradesh.

Of the plan, while Rs. 3.5 crore has been earmarked for technology for the treatment of solid waste, Rs. 75 lakh for improvement of old drainage system in the town and an equal amount for infrastructure development. Besides, Rs. 60 lakh has been earmarked for improvement of bio-medical waste and Rs. 10-15 lakh for training of public and about Rs. 50 lakh for implements of the sweepers.

The finalisation of technology tenders, financial bids for the project, once finalised, would pave the way for the start of the project. The plan is to be implemented by the year 2000, as per the agreement.

Under the plan, there is also a proposal to have a bundling plant, for compressing plastics before its proper disposal at a land-fill site.This plan, the sources say, will also help in keeping Shimla free from recycled plastic, as the project would help convert plastic into either energy or plastic waste.

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At present, the Shimla Municipal Corporation is disposing of plastic waste at a site at Dadani Bageecha, near Shimla bypass, as there is a ban on the disposal of polybags anywhere in the town. There is also a ban on sale of recycled on coloured polythene bags all over the state.