Kerala lacks mechanism to monitor ambient air, leachate and groundwater
Aswin J Kumar | tnn | Feb 4, 2019, 00:08 ISTThiruvananthapuram: Though Kerala has the most number of composting facilities in urban local bodies in the country, the state lacks proper mechanism to monitor quality of ambient air, groundwater and leachate.
As per the latest report of central pollution control board (CPCB), Kerala has 768 composting and 41 vermicompost facilities. Tamil Nadu is ranked second with 635 composting facilities. The report also notes that the state has not taken any step regarding monitoring of ground water and ambient air quality around landfills.
Earlier, Vilappilsala had witnessed a strong people's agitation after authorities failed to install adequate measures to treat leachate from the solid waste treatment plant there. It eventually led to the closure of the plant. Similarly, local protests have been simmering at Brahmapuram waste plant over the same issue and accumulation of waste.
The state has 10 dumpsites but none of them have been reclaimed or converted to sanitary landfills.
Meanwhile, the municipal solid waste (MSW) generation in urban local bodies in the state has doubled in the past few years. As per CPCB report, 3,831.553 TPD (tonnes per day) of MSW is estimated to be generated in the state from 93 urban local bodies, which is more than double the waste generated in 2010.
In 2009-10 when there were 63 municipalities responsible for MSW management in the state, the total MSW generation was estimated to be 1,763.2 TPD, out of which, 597 TPD was collected by the municipalities. The latest report, however, doesn’t mention the waste which is collected and treated.
The figures, however, sharply contradict the quantity of waste generation in urban local bodies in the state as per the data furnished in solid waste management policy prepared by the state government. While the data of state government pegged waste generation in 93 urban local bodies at nearly 6,000 tonnes per day with six corporations generating 1,415 TPD and municipalities producing 4,523 TPD.
Officials with PCB say that local bodies have not been cooperative in providing data on waste generation which might have resulted in contradiction. The rise in quantity of waste being generated in urban areas in the city also throws questions on zero waste scheme being propagated by Suchitwa mission.
As per the latest report of central pollution control board (CPCB), Kerala has 768 composting and 41 vermicompost facilities. Tamil Nadu is ranked second with 635 composting facilities. The report also notes that the state has not taken any step regarding monitoring of ground water and ambient air quality around landfills.
Earlier, Vilappilsala had witnessed a strong people's agitation after authorities failed to install adequate measures to treat leachate from the solid waste treatment plant there. It eventually led to the closure of the plant. Similarly, local protests have been simmering at Brahmapuram waste plant over the same issue and accumulation of waste.
The state has 10 dumpsites but none of them have been reclaimed or converted to sanitary landfills.
Meanwhile, the municipal solid waste (MSW) generation in urban local bodies in the state has doubled in the past few years. As per CPCB report, 3,831.553 TPD (tonnes per day) of MSW is estimated to be generated in the state from 93 urban local bodies, which is more than double the waste generated in 2010.
In 2009-10 when there were 63 municipalities responsible for MSW management in the state, the total MSW generation was estimated to be 1,763.2 TPD, out of which, 597 TPD was collected by the municipalities. The latest report, however, doesn’t mention the waste which is collected and treated.
The figures, however, sharply contradict the quantity of waste generation in urban local bodies in the state as per the data furnished in solid waste management policy prepared by the state government. While the data of state government pegged waste generation in 93 urban local bodies at nearly 6,000 tonnes per day with six corporations generating 1,415 TPD and municipalities producing 4,523 TPD.
Officials with PCB say that local bodies have not been cooperative in providing data on waste generation which might have resulted in contradiction. The rise in quantity of waste being generated in urban areas in the city also throws questions on zero waste scheme being propagated by Suchitwa mission.
more from times of india Cities
LATEST VIDEOS
All Comments ()+^ Back to Top
Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.
HIDE