The Hindu : Other States / Pondicherry News : Municipality to set up new garbage yard in Kurumbapet

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Friday, Nov 19, 2004

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Municipality to set up new garbage yard in Kurumbapet

By Rajesh Nair

PONDICHERRY, NOV.18. The Pondicherry Municipality is acquiring 25 acres in Kurumbapet, 10 kms from here, for use as a new dumping yard, as present yard in K V K Campus had exceeded its capacity.

"We are in the last stage of acquiring the land," an official told The Hindu .

With most of the residents facing illegal dumping of garbage in their areas by the municipality, the authorities' move to acquire a new yard could bring some respite.

The official admitted that the municipality dumped garbage in the open due to lack of space inside the present yard.

"Once the new place comes the problem will be solved,'' he said.

On an average, 180 tonnes of garbage is generated in the municipality area.

Meanwhile, the authorities are in the process of handing over the collection of garbage in a few more areas to private parties.

Shortage of manpower

The municipality is planning privatisation in four assembly constituencies — Upplam, Orleanpett, Muthialpett and Muthaliarpett — in a phased manner.

"Two constituencies will be taken up in two months time," the official said.

Now, private parties are involved in garbage collection and disposal in five wards of the Nellithope assembly constituency.

The official said one of the reasons for involving more private players was the shortage of manpower.

The present strength of 550 workers was not sufficient for collection and disposal of garbage in the areas under its jurisdiction. "If we follow the Supreme Court guidelines in solid waste management, we need at least 500 more workers," he said.

As per the court guidelines, one worker should be deployed every 300 to 350 meters, the official added.

Asked why the civic body was not increasing its strength, he said, "It would thwart our attempts to bring financial stability."

Source segregation

Following the court guidelines, the authorities are also extending source segregation of garbage to Sholai Nagar, Anna Nagar and Elango Nagar.

At present, it is only being done in select segments by Self Help Groups.

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