KOCHI: With a new deadline set for evolving a proper system for disposal of garbage, the City Corporation is making an attempt to rope in residents associations.

A meeting of Corporation councillors and representatives of the Ernakulam District Residents Association Apex Council (EDRAAC) will be held at the Town Hall here on Wednesday.

"We hope to evolve a system with active participation from the residents associations for garbage disposal. The basis is segregated collection of bio-degradable and non-bio degradable waste at the individual residence-level itself," said C.K. Manisankar, Deputy Mayor, Kochi Corporation.

There is a suggestion on forming committees at health-circle level. There are currently 21 health circles under the Corporation, which could be reduced to around 18.

The suggestion is that Health Inspector or Junior Health Inspector could supervise the activities.

In the long run, this system could be brought down to division level.

"If the residents associations come up with projects, Corporation can extend all support. We have proposed setting up bio-gas plants at markets, which can be considered by residents' associations too," said Mr. Manisankar.

There are suggestions that with the individual councillor taking the lead, residents associations could suggest open land in their area that could be used for processing segregated garbage.

But, as Mr. Manisankar pointed out, a decentralised plan might not work as not all divisions in the Corporation have open and free puramboke land.

Also, the responsibility of the garbage processing plant should be properly assigned for efficient functioning.

"This should be done at the residents association level itself. Running a garbage disposal plant requires daily monitoring and constant attention. This is not possible without the residents associations taking up responsibility of running the plants," said K.J. Sohan, corporation councillor and former Mayor.

"Already, the corporation prepared 12-odd vermi compost pits in different parts under the People's Plan scheme. These could be revamped for this purpose," he said.

Along with corporation councillors and representatives of EDRAAC, those representing the merchant community,

Kudumbasree units and educational institutions are expected to attend Wednesday's meeting.

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