To ensure that the construction and demolition (C&D) debris does not remain unattended on roads, pavements, in residential and other areas of the twin-city, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has finally geared up to set up a plant to process and recycle the waste material. The plant having a capacity to process and 150 tonnes for recycling recycle 150 tonnes of construction and demolition waste on a daily basis, will be launched on a BOO (build , own, operate) basis for a period of 15 years.

In response to a tender invitation floated by the Public Works Department (PWD) of the MBMC, a private agency has agreed to set up the plant by charging a tipping fee of Rs. 1,280 per tonne which includes Rs. 1,050 towards collection and transportation and Rs. 230 per tonne for processing and recycling the C&D waste into reusable concrete, sand, bricks and even paver-blocks. “The MBMC will not spend a single penny towards the project. Apart from starting a debris-on-call service, designated collection points will be identified so as to ensure that the demolition waste is not dumped in eco-sensitive zones like mangrove belts.” said Executive PWD Engineer-Suresh Vakode.

The rate negotiation process has been completed and the comparatives will be tabled before the standing committee on Friday for a final nod. Normally, citizens undertake construction work in their house or housing society but are clueless about disposing of the debris and dump it on the roadsides. However, after the mechanism comes into existence, dedicated helpline numbers will help facilitate coordination with the agency, failing which those found dumping debris on public places will be fined, an official said.

BOO is a public-private partnership (PPP) project model in which a private entity builds, owns and operates some facility with some form of encouragement by the civic body.