Aafrin Kidwai Jammu city is in the midst of upgrading its waste management system, including manpower training, infrastructure, and machinery. We spoke with Municipal Commissioner Ms Avny Lavasa for information on the civic body’s various efforts.
Given below are a few highlights from the interview. A full video recording of the interview is available here.
Q1. Could you give us a brief overview of solid waste generation trends in Jammu city?
The Jammu Municipal Corporation(JMC) area is spread approximately over 189 sq km with a population of 7 lakh people in 1.5 lakh households. The estimated waste generation for Jammu city is 350 TPD.
Q2. How is MSW currently being collected and treated by the JMC?
We have achieved 80 percent door-to-door collection of waste. Unfortunately, waste is not segregated by residents currently. We have auto-tippers used for waste collection. The waste is taken to 20 secondary dumps operational within JMC. From secondary dumps, waste is transported to large dumpsite by ULBs in closed heavy vehicles. Jammu currently lacks a scientific waste management system and we are setting up scientific SWM systems, including integrated waste processing plants.
Q3. How much land has been allotted to the new facility?
The JMC has allotted 150 ‘Kanals’ (or 18.75 acres) of land for new waste facility. An MOU will be signed with NAFED for waste processing facility and scientific landfilling and is expected to be ready within 12-18 months.
The current dumpsite will be the location for new scientific landfill. It will be a centralized waste processing facility, MRF, composting, bio-CNG and scientific landfilling and is expected to be complete in 12-18 months.
Q4. How are you generating funds for SWM in Jammu?
I admit funding is an issue for us. A cash-strapped JMC is unable to generate much revenue since there is no property tax in J&K. The JMC mainly relies on grants in aid from Central Government and funding from Swacch Bharat Mission.
Q5. What initiatives are you taking towards building an integrated waste management facility?
A second waste processing plant of over 100 MTD will be built for 26 wards of Jammu. The bidding process is currently on for this Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) plant with an estimated cost of Rs 34.46 crores. It will be operated in PPP mode on DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Transfer) basis. An MRF, in collaboration with UNDP, is already functional at the plant site.
Picture Credit: Jammu Municipal Corporation Website
