Gaps in waste collection and disposal prompted the Ernakulam District Panchayat to give top priority to these projects in the Plan’s annual schedule.
An assessment by the district planning committee revealed that a portion of local agencies have yet to adopt waste management projects as a key priority area, despite growing gaps in the science-based collection and disposal mechanism. .
“Plastic management is one such area, which has required additional attention from local bodies. We have decided to set up collection bins in areas that have not yet been able to put in place such systems,” said Ernakulam District Chairman Ullas Thomas. Panchayat.
The increased focus on plastic management came after Panchayat divisions in Ernakulam district reported an increase in illegal dumping of plastic bottles. Mr. Thomas said public awareness will be among the initiatives to be taken by the district panchayat in the coming days.
Local agencies have been tasked with solving waste collection and disposal issues. Gaps in home collection of non-biodegradable waste need to be addressed by streamlining collection from households and commercial establishments. Haritha Karma Sena should be trained in areas that do not have adequate deployment of volunteers to regularly collect non-biodegradable waste. Material collection facilities should also be prioritized to control unscientific waste storage and disposal, in accordance with guidelines communicated to local agencies.