Mumbai: In order to promote waste segregation in the city, the BMC has made it mandatory for bulk waste generators to treat garbage in their premises from June 1 failing which, it has threatened not to lift their garbage along with slapping a fine on them.
Bulk waste generators include big housing societies, five-star hotels, malls and industries which produce more than 100 kg of waste daily. Civic officials said that as per municipal solid waste rules 2016, these bulk waste generators have been asked to provide facilities such as organic waste converters, vermi-composting and bio-methanation in their backyard to treat waste at source.
Kiran Dighavkar, assistant commissioner, A-ward, said, “We have asked them to comply immediately and have also requested them to submit photographs of such machinery to the civic body. If they fail to do so, the BMC will not lift their garbage.”
To avail central funds for its projects, the BMC has to meet stringent service level benchmarks (SLBs) prescribed by the union urban development ministry for improvement of civic amenities. Hundred per cent garbage segregation and scientific disposal is one of the major requirements.
Civic officials said BMC would also make it mandatory for small housing societies to segregate dry and wet waste.
A senior civic official said, “The Greater Mumbai Cleanliness and Sanitation Bylaws 2006 make it mandatory to segregate dry and wet waste. It is mandatory for citizens to provide two types of garbage bins within their premises – one each for dry and wet waste.
Accordingly, we are planning to implement it, and notices will be issued to societies within a couple of months.” “It’s a welcome step, but there needs to be sustained efforts by BMC to inform people about importance of waste segregation,” said a civic activist.
