CM: Maharashtra to start segregation of waste from May 1

Mumbai: In a different approach to solid waste management, the state government, beginning this Maharashtra Day, will start segregation of dry and wet garbage. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Assembly about the policy coming into effect from May 1. “A dumping ground is not the solution for solid waste management.

Over the years, this approach has not worked. We need to look beyond the usual. Segregation of garbage and making it more environment-friendly is the only way to go forward. Our government will launch this scheme starting May 1,” he announced.

“Segregation of dry and wet garbage will start from May 1. We will launch a mega public awareness programme. By end of this year, we will complete the entire state’s segregation,” Mr Fadnavis said. He added that the state would distribute a “handbook of technology” to create awareness about segregation.

“Simultaneously, we will start producing fertilisers from wet garbage. These fertilisers will be sold to farmers at a minimum price. For this, we are introducing the ‘Harit Mahacity Compost’ scheme. We will create this brand of fertiliser in professional manner,” the chief minister said.

Mr Fadnavis said that the state had finalised a three-step programme to include all municipalities in this project.

“We have appointed three companies that will help city administration in making the project feasible. Three more companies will be finalised to expedite the work. For the next stage of technical clearance, we have appointed the state Jivan Pradhikaran as a single authority. And in the last stage, NEERI will submit a valuation report of the project,” he said.

Mr Fadnavis informed the House that December 2019 was the deadline set for the solid waste management project. “From compost to energy production from solid waste will be completed in two-and-a-half years,” he said and appealed citizens to support the initiative which could transform the state.