State to declare policy for power from waste soon

The policy envisages the setting up of power plants by private companies within the limits of the various municipal corporations in the state. Land will be provided at a token rate 8212; probably Re 1 per sq m 8212; to the companies which will be supplied waste by the civic bodies free of cost. To attract private firms, the government will offer incentives like rebate on octroi, concessions in electricity, and will even foot the companies8217; water bills. In the event of a financial crunch, the government willpump in funds amounting to Rs 50 lakh subject to certain conditions. The Maharashtra State Electricity Board MSEB will purchase the power so generated at attractive rates, a high-ranking official said.

The technology would have to come from abroad, the official said. 8220;The garbage collected in Indian cities is not ideal for power generation as its water content is quite high, making it difficult to generate heat. Our prime objective is to remove garbage successfully and efficiently. It is good that power will also be generated,8221; he added.