The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Solid waste management introduced in Kodaikanal

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Saturday, Feb 09, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Solid waste management introduced in Kodaikanal

Staff Reporter

Compost yards to start functioning in all 22 panchayats from March 1

Model yard set up at Pattiveeranpatti
Hill station to be divided into 3 zones

KODAIKANAL: As part of solid waste management, compost yards will start functioning in all 22 town panchayats in the district from March 1. Implementation of solid waste management in three municipalities will begin shortly. Top priority will be given to Kodaikanal municipality, Collector R. Vasuki said on Friday.

Launching a pilot project of Exnora International at Ward 22 in the town, she said compost yards in 20 town panchayats were ready. Work in the remaining panchayats would be completed by February end. Model yard and collection methods introduced at Pattiveeranpatti would be emulated in other town panchayats.

On implementation of solid waste management on the hill station, she said the total area would be divided into three zones — tourist, commercial and residential — to collect wastes at source. Simple technical know-how would be taught to the community to convert the wastes into manure. On successful implementation, the method would be replicated in other wards. “People participation is very essential. Without that, we cannot achieve success.”

To begin with, the focus would be on residential areas and tourists spots. Already, dustbins had been set up around the lake area and before eatables and shops to collect plastic and other wastes separately. A small wastebasket would be given to people coming in private vehicles at Silver Cascade to collect the wastes in the vehicle itself, Ms. Vasuki said.

In his special address, Exnora International head Nirmal said street level segregation would be done. Simple technologies would be taught to residents to convert biodegradable wastes into manure.

Other wastes would be brought to a common collection centre for segregation and safe disposal. Massive awareness would be created to keep the town clean and green.

Led by Ms. Vasuki, hundreds of school children took out an awareness rally in the town.

Development works

Talking to reporters later, she said development works were being executed at an estimated cost of Rs.1.5 crore at Bryant Park. Additional streetlights around the lake would be installed. All encroachments on the hill station would be removed shortly.

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