Status: Not ApprovedHEAD: 24_Del_AR_Abhinav Rajput PWD waste processing Byline: Abhinav RajputDelhi inaugurates first green waste processing plant to handle horticulture wasteIn what the Delhi govt described as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the capital, the Public Works Department (PWD) on Monday inaugurated Delhi’s first green waste processing plant to scientifically handle horticulture waste generated along city roads.PWD minister Parvesh Sahib Singh launched the facility near ITO, asserting that it is the capital’s first dedicated plant for processing green waste collected from PWD-maintained stretches. The plant will convert branches, shrubs and other pruning waste into compost for reuse in landscaping and plantation work.Calling it a long-awaited initiative, the minister said that despite maintaining thousands of kilometres of roads and green belts, the department did not have even a single green waste processing plant earlier. “For the first time, Delhi now has dedicated infrastructure to scientifically process horticulture waste instead of dumping it,” he said.Govt officials said the move addressed repeated complaints from RWAs, schools and residents about heaps of pruned branches and fallen trees lying along roadsides for days, leading to foul smells, blocked footpaths and inconvenience to commuters. With the new system in place, authorities expect faster clearance and systematic disposal.Apart from the ITO plant, similar facilities were completed at Patparganj Industrial Area, Secretariat Nursery, Mukarba Chowk Nursery, Lajwanti Nursery in west Delhi, Sukhdev Vihar and RK Puram. 6 more plants are planned in the next phase. The long-term plan, officials said, is to establish at least 1 green waste processing facility in every district to ensure decentralised waste management.The compost generated at these plants will be reused by the PWD’s horticulture wing for maintaining central verges, roadside plantations and gardens. Officials said the initiative will reduce waste dumping, cut transportation costs and improve soil quality.The govt said the decentralised model will also help prevent drain blockages during monsoon and reduce traffic disruptions caused by unattended green waste. Terming it an environmentally responsible step, the minister said the initiative would make Delhi “cleaner, greener and more efficient” in managing its urban infrastructure. MSID:: 128753646 413 |
