THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Kerala: The Department of Local Self Government under the Kerala Solid Waste Management Project (KSWMP), supported by the World Bank, has decided to reclaim 20 dumpsites and turn them into public utility spaces.
This exercise of biomining and bioremediation of legacy waste in 20 dumpsites will cost ₹100 crore. These dumpsites are spread across several towns in the southern state, including Kottarakkara, Kayamkulam, Koothattukulam, Kalamassery, Vadakara, Kalpetta, Iritty, Koothuparamba, Kothamangalam, Muvattupuzha, North Paravur, and Kasaragod. In the second phase, the project will be expanded to Vadakkencherry, Palakkad, Malappuram, Mavelikkara, Kottayam, Chalakudy, and Manjeri.
These dumpsites cumulatively store 4.39 lakh metric tonnes of waste, and many are situated in the middle of the towns. Initially, the garbage will be bio-mined using machines and segregated into organic and inorganic waste. Then, the organic waste will be turned into manure, while the inorganic waste will be handed over to concerned authorities for recycling.
With the help of this project, the department is aiming to retrieve nearly 60 acres of land, which could be utilised for constructing Material Collection Facilities (MCFs), Resource Recovery Facilities (RRFs), bioparks or any other projects useful for the urban local bodies (ULBs).
Speaking about the project, MB Rajesh, Minister for Local Self Government, Government of Kerala, said, “This is a transformational project that will turn our entire urban landscape far more clean, healthy, hospitable and economically sustainable”. Minister Rajesh added that the waste disposal process will adhere to the guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) along with the environmental and social safeguards of the World Bank to not cause any inconvenience to the citizens.