4 days ago
Enhanced facilities to plug gaps in non-biodegradable waste management in Ernakulam
Ernakulam has plugged gaps in the management of non-biodegradable waste by setting up facilities that can manage up to 240 metric tonnes daily, according to official estimates.
The total generation of non-biodegradable waste in the district is 239 metric tonnes per day. Local bodies in the district have facilities that can process a total of about 150 metric tonnes.
Clean Kerala Company Limited has a godown facility to take care of 78 metric tonnes of waste daily, while private agencies involved in waste management are processing 78 metric tonnes per day, according to the monthly progress report for March, 2025, submitted by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) before the Ministry of Jal Shakthi.
The Board submitted the updated status report on May 31, 2025, in connection with the case related to polluted river stretches in the country considered by the National Green Tribunal.
The report said that local bodies in the State had developed comprehensive plans for the movement of vehicles to collect waste from households and transport it to processing facilities. The implementation of the plans is being monitored at the State and district levels through the 'Harithamithram' application aimed at ensuring efficient waste collection.
To enhance monitoring, all waste transporting vehicles are required to have GPS tracking, and the PCB has set up a web portal for real-time monitoring of waste-carrying vehicles, both within and across the State borders.
The report said that efforts were on to equip material collection facilities and resource recovery facilities with the necessary tools for effective waste management, which included conveyor belts and baling machines. It suggested that the reject waste generated could be converted into refuse-derived fuel to enable smooth transportation and reduce the dependence on landfills.
