The much delayed zero waste management projects of Mysore City Corporation (MCC) is expected to receive a minor boost, with zero waste management plants built at Zone 8 and 9, set to become operational within a week.
Unlike other zero waste management plants, which were partially funded by MCC, the two plants will be operated without any financial aid, much to the relief of the financially burdened civic body.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Girish Prasad, chairman of the standing committee on health, education and social justice, said that a private firm Page Trust had come forward to manage and segregate the waste, in 17 wards of Zone 8 and 9.
With this, the number of operational zero waste managements plants in MCC limits, has increased to six. Three plants are yet to begin operations. A total of nine decentralised zero waste management plants were constructed in MCC limits at an estimated cost of Rs 3.6 crore, he said.
Auction
Earlier, the Corporation used to hand over the plants to self-help groups (SHGs) after an auction process. The groups were provided financial assistance for a period of six months, as wages for Pourakarmikas and other expenses, after which they had to self-sustain the plants. Some plants were provided additional financial assistance even after the period, Girish said.
Competition
MCC Health Officer, Dr D G Nagaraj said that zero waste management had turned profitable for SHGs, owing to which there was tremendous competition.
He affirmed that few groups have approached MCC to operate zero waste management plants for free. “All the details of the concerned firms are being verified, before these groups are given a go ahead.” he said.