Presently Vasant Vihar does not have any uniform waste disposal regimen. Each block has its own waste handling system under the supervision and control of their re-spective block RWAs. Different non-governmental agencies are operating in different blocks for the collection and disposal of dry and wet waste. The rates charged by them, for the collection and disposal of waste, vary from block to block. It is high time, a central agency such as VVWA steps in and takes charge of the situation and works towards introduction of uniform waste management leading towards conversion of Vasant Vihar into a “Zero Waste” colony.
A “zero waste” colony is one where all waste is treated within the colony and no waste goes into a landfill. MCD has announced that they have decided to convert all the zones under their jurisdiction into “Zero Waste” zones. Beginning with, two wards in each of the 12 Zones would be made “zero waste”.
In the South Zone, out of the two wards that are to be converted into “zero waste,” Vasant Vihar is one of them. The proposal envisages the segregation of household and kitchen waste into dry and wet waste. The dry waste will be recycled, and wet waste will be led to composting units and converted into manure.
A Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) would be formulated for uniform handling of household and kitchen waste. In addition, SOPs would also be formulated for handling green, hazardous, and sanitary wastes. SOP’s will also be developed for Bio-Medical waste which would be applicable to all clinics and laboratories etc. All markets and commercial ventures will also be brought under the ambit. The building department of MCD will ensure that all construction and demolition waste is properly disposed of.
Ashish Periwal, Asstt. Commissioner of MCD will be coordinating authority and VVWA will be the agency mandated for the execution of the project across Vasant Vihar, while Chintan will be the associated NGO. It is an ambitious project, and its success will depend upon the efficient handling by the MCD, VVWA and active cooperation and participation of the residents being the ultimate beneficiaries.
Maj Gen (Retd) S P Murgai, AVSM
