BMC to install machines to destroy diapers, sanitary pads

The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in collaboration with women NGOs will install machines to destroy waste generated from sanitary napkins, pads and diapers as a pilot project from which it expects to reduce solid waste by up to six per cent.

“Keeping in mind the inititative of ‘Swach Bharat Abhiyaan’ of the Centre, the civic body has decided to involve common people in the movement to clean Mumbai,” said a release by BMC.

It was found that the sanitary pads and diapers are thrown in open or in the public toilets, causing them to choke. As per the BMC’s official figure, about 20 per cent public toilets get choked because of pads and diapers. The proper disposal of the pads and diaper can reduce solid waste upto 6 per cent, the BMC claimed.

The civic body has involved an NGO named Chinchani Maayka Mahila Sahakari Sanstha who will experiment the scheme of disposing the waste in PMGD colony at Mankhurd. Also, another NGO named Om Gagangiri Mahila Sahakari will experiment the scheme in Tembhipada area at Bhandup. The waste will be collected at the two places and burned in kilns in order to dispose them properly. The BMC also assured to help the women groups and give them training to dispose off the pads.

In its clean drive initiative, the BMC between December 14 and 19 in collaboration with 36 women NGOs has educated around 400 women from the city on health-related issues.

BMC municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta and additional municipal commissioner, Pallavi Darade will be monitoring and mentoring several initiatives taken by the civic body, said the BMC release.