Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Jul 24: In a significant initiative to strengthen scientific waste management in Dakshina Kannada, the zilla panchayat has proposed setting up a Rs 7-crore centralised sanitary waste incinerator to address the growing challenge of disposing of sanitary pads and baby diapers, which has become a major concern for gram panchayats across the district.
Despite imposing fines on those dumping garbage along roadsides, several garbage "black spots" continue to persist across the district. Adding to the challenge is the increasing volume of sanitary waste, the disposal of which has placed a heavy financial burden on gram panchayats.
To provide immediate relief, Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat chief executive officer (CEO) Vinayak Narvade has negotiated with waste management agency Ramky to reduce the processing charge for sanitary waste from Rs 30 per kg to Rs 20 per kg. The revised rate is expected to help gram panchayats scientifically dispose of sanitary waste while significantly lowering disposal costs.
Speaking about the initiative, Narvade said that although the reduction in processing charges offers temporary relief, a permanent solution is essential considering the increasing quantity of sanitary waste generated across both urban and rural areas.
With this objective, the zilla panchayat has prepared a proposal to establish a 5 to 7-tonne-per-day (TPD) capacity incineration facility, capable of scientifically treating sanitary waste collected from across the district. The estimated cost of the project is around Rs 7 crore.
The proposal has been submitted to the district administration seeking financial assistance under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) fund or through a special government grant. Once approved and implemented, the facility is expected to provide a long-term and environmentally sustainable solution to sanitary waste disposal.
Officials believe the project will not only reduce the financial burden on gram panchayats but also help eliminate garbage black spots, improve public hygiene and sanitation, and strengthen Dakshina Kannada's overall solid waste management system.
If implemented, the proposed incinerator will mark a major step towards ensuring cleaner villages and towns while promoting scientific and sustainable waste disposal practices across the coastal district.