Accumulation of non-biodegradable waste has become a major concern for local bodies in Kerala as the collection of waste has increased significantly under the Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam campaign. To address this issue, the Local Self Government (LSG) Department is planning to involve private parties and start-ups in waste management. The department’s Additional Chief Secretary, Sarada Muraleedharan, stated that the existing waste management system is inadequate and the inclusion of private players will ensure effective waste management in the state. Guidelines are being developed to facilitate collaboration between local bodies and private parties.
To expedite the transportation of accumulated waste, the LSGD has taken steps to clear Material Collection Facilities (MCFs) where the waste has accumulated. Clean Kerala Company Ltd and private service providers empanelled by the company have partnered with approximately 789 local bodies to address the waste issue. The collection of segregated waste has increased since the campaign’s launch, resulting in the need for larger facilities for waste storage. The Clean Kerala Ltd official stated that prior to the campaign, only 400 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste were collected monthly, but the number has now exceeded 1000 tonnes.
Despite efforts to reduce waste generation through the Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam campaign, waste collection has grown. An official emphasized the importance of improving the existing waste management system to handle the increasing waste. The enforcement of a new ordinance is expected to lead to even more waste being collected.
The involvement of private parties and startups in waste management is seen as a solution to the mounting waste problem in Kerala. By expanding the waste management sector and collaborating with innovative projects, the state aims to address the inadequacies of the current system. With the inclusion of private players, local bodies hope to effectively manage and process the collected waste. The partnership between local bodies and private parties aims to resolve the existing waste management issues and ensure a cleaner future for Kerala.
In order to address the waste management crisis in Kerala, the Local Self Government (LSG) Department has planned to collaborate with private parties and start-ups. The Kerala state has been struggling with the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste following the launch of the Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam campaign and the subsequent increase in waste collection. To tackle this situation, the LSG Department is looking to bring in private players to effectively handle waste management in the state.
According to Sarada Muraleedharan, the Additional Chief Secretary of the LSG Department, the existing waste management system is insufficient, and the inclusion of private parties will help rectify the situation. Guidelines are being developed to enable local bodies to collaborate with private parties. The involvement of start-ups and other private players will bring fresh ideas and projects to the waste management sector. Muraleedharan believes that these initiatives will help address the current challenges in waste management.
The rising complaints from local bodies have prompted the LSG Department to take immediate action in transporting the accumulated waste. The Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam campaign was expected to reduce waste generation, but instead, waste collection has increased. Thus, efforts are being made to improve the existing system to handle the growing waste volume effectively. In addition, the implementation of a new ordinance will further contribute to the collection of more waste.
Clean Kerala Company Ltd, along with private service providers, has partnered with approximately 789 local bodies to address the waste situation. They have been working on clearing the accumulated waste at Material Collection Facilities (MCFs). While a significant amount of waste has been cleared, 130 MCFs still remain. However, the officials are confident that these remaining facilities will be cleared within two weeks.
The launch of the campaign has led to a manifold increase in the collection of segregated waste. Previously, around 400 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste were collected per month. However, with the campaign’s implementation, the collection has gone beyond 1000 tonnes per month. As a result, the existing MCFs and Resource Recovery Facilities (RRFs) are unable to handle the increased waste volume. Therefore, efforts are underway to establish larger storage facilities to accommodate the waste collected by local bodies.
The inclusion of private parties and start-ups in waste management is seen as a solution to Kerala’s waste woes. By expanding the waste management sector and collaborating with innovative projects, the state aims to enhance the efficiency of waste management. The partnership between local bodies and private parties is expected to resolve the existing issues and pave the way for a cleaner and greener future for Kerala.
