Solid waste is a serious problem: Venkaiah
Hyderabad, Oct 9 (INN): Union Minister for Urban Development M.Venkaiah Naidu said that Municipal Solid Waste Management is one of the very important components of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Addressing at the inaugural session of 'International Symposium on Municipal Solid Waste Management' here on Friday, he said, "Given the unique nature of Swachh Bharat Mission, our primary objective has been to first reach out to the minds of the people and sensitize them towards the need for adopting right behavioral attitudes'.
The Minister added that Municipal Solid Waste Management is going through a critical phase, due to unavailability of suitable facilities to treat and dispose of the huge quantities of municipal solid waste generated daily, more so in the metropolitan cities, resulting in adverse impact on the environment. Municipal Solid Waste Management despite being the primary responsibility of the urban local bodies still remains as a major obligation that has to be improved. The rise in urban population and economic growth in the absence of an effective management has resulted in the current state of Municipal Solid Waste Management in India which is far from perfect.
He informed that the M/o Chemicals and Fertilizers is placing a proposal before the Cabinet for approval to provide Market Development assistance in form of fixed financial assistance of Rs. 1,5OO per tonne on sale of city compost to farmers to boost sales of compost. The M/o Power is in the process of amending the Electricity Act-2003, to include a provision for State Electricity DISCOMs to "mandatorily purchase all power generated from municipal solid waste", he added.
Venkaiah Naidu said the Government has sanctioned significant amounts for Solid Waste Management. In the next one year, 16 more Waste to Energy, Plants are planned to be commissioned on a PPP mode.
The Minister said that target, is the elimination of open defecation and 100% scientific disposal of municipal solid waste by October 2Ol9 as a tribute to Mahatma on the occasion of his 150 birth anniversary. A clean environment enables a clean mind which holds the key to the success of all human endeavors, he added.
News Posted: 9 October, 2015
|
