The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Corporation to enforce source segregation of garbage

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Sep 27, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Corporation to enforce source segregation of garbage

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, SEPT. 26. The Chennai Corporation has decided to implement source segregation of garbage in the city in a phased manner.

A Corporation release urged residents to separate garbage in the household into biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. The scheme will not succeed without public participation. The scheme is being implemented upon the directions of the Chief Minister.

Biodegradable waste includes kitchen waste, garden waste, paper and the kind. Non-biodegradable waste includes glass, most types of plastics, wooden articles, rubber, batteries and the kind. Public have been asked to stop giving mixed garbage to the conservancy workers. Also, they have been advised not to give biodegradable garbage in plastic bags, as it will defeat the purpose.

"The first step would be sensitising conservancy workers and building up contacts with residents' welfare associations. We will also identify empty space and set up composting yards for the biodegradable waste in every zone within the next few months," an official said.

The Corporation has also planned extensive awareness campaigns in the city. In its first phase, it will target commercial establishments and eateries.

The decision to implement segregation of garbage comes more out the need to reduce the garbage reaching the dumping grounds.

Recently, Corporation stepped up security at Kodungaiyur dumping ground to prevent burning of garbage after the residents there threatened to go on a major protest.

Court verdict

Segregation of garbage finds mention in a Supreme Court-appointed committee following a public interest litigation petition filed by Almitra Patel and others in 1996 on the lacunae in the garbage clearance system in India. A technical committee appointed by the apex court gave its report, which covered best practices in collection, storage, source segregation, transportation, processing and disposal of waste.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Tamil Nadu