The deadlock over the doorstep collection of biodegradable waste in Thrikkakara municipality was resolved on Monday (December 23) after the council agreed to release a part of the payment dues to the agency entrusted with the disposal of the waste.
The Standing Committee on Finance approved the proposal to release around ₹14 lakh payment pending as of November end. The waste collection will resume from Tuesday (December 24), said Radhamani Pillai, chairperson of the municipality.
The crisis over the doorstep food waste collection emerged after the civic body had exhausted its funds earmarked for the waste collection and disposal process. The chairperson said that about ₹ 1 crore was allocated for the collection and disposal of biodegradable waste. “We have now decided to allocate money from the common fund to ensure that the collection system is not affected,” she said.
The collection of food waste is carried out by the members of the Haritha Karma Sena from nearly 43 wards in the municipality. The waste is collected in vehicles and handed over to the private agency entrusted with the disposal process. The private agency collects ₹4 for a kilo of waste collected by the Haritha Karma Sena.
The chairperson rejected allegations that there were discrepancies in the quantity of waste collected from the households. The waste is weighed and recorded before handing it over to the agency, she said.
Published – December 23, 2024 09:54 pm IST