Solid Waste Management project worth ₹2400 crore launched in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Kerala: Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, launched the Kerala Solid Waste Management Project (KSWMP) worth ₹2,400 crore with an ambitious technology-driven plan aimed at making the urban local bodies of the state self-sufficient in collecting and treating garbage by March 2024.

Through the ‘Malinya Mukhtam Navakeralam’ campaign, the state government is continuing its proactive approach to Solid Waste Management. The launch of KSWMP, which the officials have stated as the second phase- is about the establishment of crucial infrastructure.

After the massive fire that started at the waste treatment facility at Brahmapuram, Kochi, which resulted in high levels of smoke and pollutants that remained in the air for almost two weeks, this step by the state government, has been lauded. This incident also underlined the need for a sustainable waste treatment model in urban areas.

While addressing the inaugural function, CM Vijayan said, “As 90 per cent of the state’s population is projected to live in cities and towns by 2035, Kerala is bracing for stronger garbage management by converting the challenge into an opportunity.”

He further added, “The government is striving to make full use of the possibilities of the increasing urbanisation. As part of this motto, we are implementing nature-friendly development projects, transportation models with minimal air pollution, and conservation of water bodies, besides charting a new course of waste management.”

With financial assistance from the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the KSWMP will be implemented in 87 municipalities and six municipal corporations in the state.

Vijayan highlighted that in the second stage, KSWMP’s ‘Maattam’ project has enabled 422 civic bodies to sort 90-100 per cent of their waste at the source of origin stage, underlining the role played by 33,378 volunteers of the green force ‘Haritha Karma Sena.’

Adding to it, Vijayan said, “73 per cent of the state’s houses and 63 per cent of businesses under the urban local bodies have a system where waste will be sorted at their doorsteps.

M B Rajesh, Minister of Local Self Government, Government of Kerala, and P Rajeeve, Minister for Industries, Government of Kerala unveiled a new design for Material Collection Facilities (MCFs) and resource Recovery Facilities (RRFs) developed by architect G Shankar.

During the press briefing, Rajesh said, “The primary goal of the KSWMP project is to equip urban local bodies across the state with state-of-the-art and scientifically robust systems for managing solid waste.”

“The project is designed to assist ULBs in establishing centralised treatment facilities and optimizing decentralized systems. Cutting-edge waste management units such as bio-methanation plants, which convert waste into bio-CNG, and windrow compost plants, will be established. Additionally, integrated facilities under the ‘Bio-Parks’ label will be created where feasible,” Rajesh said.

He further added, “In the current fiscal year, 87 municipalities and six corporations within the state will launch sub-projects worth ₹300 crore. This amount constitutes a quarter of the total grant allocated to strengthen solid waste management infrastructure. The projects are aimed at achieving international standards and are expected to conclude within a year.”

The project’s vision involves transforming Material Collection Facilities (MCFs) and Resource Recovery Facilities (RRFs) into community spaces with modern amenities and conducive working environments. These areas will be rebranded as ‘Green Parks’.

KWSMP will also undertake the bio-remediation of all solid waste dumpsites with the civic bodies. “Every ULB will have designated collection and temporary storage facilities for Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste management. Furthermore, the project will facilitate the establishment of a green industrial park, promoting substantial local employment opportunities,” Rajesh added.