To ensure proper management of debris generated by different construction and demolition works, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to set up a construction and demolition waste processing unit, which will be able to recycle 100 tonnes of such waste a day.
The civic body has invited a tender to select an agency that will not only set up the plant but will also be responsible for its operation and maintenance. BMC sources said the selection of the agency will be completed by February-end while the waste processing unit is likely to be commissioned in the next three months.
“With the increase in population, the demand for houses and other public and private infrastructure has gone up. This has resulted in an increase in generation of construction and demolition waste. Currently, we have two dumping sites for the waste but looking at the future need, the processing plant has been planned,” BMC deputy commissioner (sanitation) Suvendu Swain said.
The plant will recycle retrievable items like bricks, wood, metal and tiles.
Non-retrievable items such as concrete and masonry waste will be sorted, segregated, crushed and put to use in different road and building works.
Complying with Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016, the civic body has formed a separate C&D squad, which is looking after the management of the waste. The BMC has also earmarked two sites in Patia and another near Kargil Basti near the airport for dumping of such waste materials.
Besides, the civic body is also planning to earmark another site in ward no. 13 for dumping of construction and demolition waste. It has also been periodically penalising different private and government agencies and individuals for illegally dumping waste in public areas.
The civic body charges Rs 6,500 per tractor trip as fine from the violators.
“Due to rampant demolition drives in the recent past, huge amount of debris have been generated and piled up in different public areas. This is a matter of grave concern since such waste materials contribute to deterioration of air quality. The civic administration should take steps to manage waste,” said city-based environmentalist Sailabala Padhi.