Silvester D’Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Oct 23: “Vandse gram panchayat drew attention has drawn attention due to implementation of SLRM (solid and liquid resource management). The panchayat which has been segregating dry and wet waste so far is preparing to segregate harmful waste for disposal. The project is being implemented in three panchayats in Udupi district on an experimental basis,” said Udupi district panchayat chief executive officer Preeti Gehlot. She addressed a gathering during her visit to Vandse gram panchayat on October 22.

"Harmful waste including sanitary waste and medicine waste should be collected separately from houses. Red colored bucket should be provided for the purpose. There should be awareness among people in this regard. Doing so will make segregation at SLRM easy. As people come from various places to study the process of SLRM unit, the unit should be shifted soon. Officials should form the project systematically with far-sightedness," she said.

Chief project officer Srinivas Rao said, "SLRM is being implemented successfully in Vandse. Vandse is becoming popular as a model. It is commendable that two buckets are given to every house and shop and trash is being collected, segregated and sold earning profit. Let collection of harmful waste also be a model.”

Gram panchayat president Udaya Kumar Shetty said, "Trash is being collected from all houses and shops. As demand for raw material has crashed these days, income is less. If items of plastic are melted with the help of machines and sold, those will fetch good price. It will be necessary to use three machines to melt plastic waste further. Segregation of waste can be made more profitable in this manner."

Taluk panchayat chief executive, Dr Nagabhooshan Udupa, gram panchayat vice-president, Sharada Rudrayya Acharya, member Singari, former president Shivarama Shetty V K, Srinivas Poojary Kalmady, district level officials, James D’Silva, Sudheer, Murthy, engineer, Keshava Gowda, milk producer’s cooperative society president Thampanna Shetty, SLRM supervisor, Vijayalaxmi, panchayat secretary Shanker Acharya, local elite, school headmaster, anganwadi workers, Asha activists and leaders of local groups and associations were present.

Discussions on collection of harmful waste in an even more systematic manner at SLRM units were held. Gram panchayat development officer, Roopa Gopi welcomed everyone and rendered the vote of thanks. A visit to SLRM was held later.