PlanComm task force recommends PPP model for waste management

New Delhi: A Planning Commission task force has strongly recommended Public Private Partnership model for setting up projects for Municipal Solid Waste with a viable gap funding by the government. "The report strongly recommends PPP as a mode of service delivery to achieve the target set for sustainable waste management," a press statement said. "A model scheme has also been detailed for setting up Waste to Energy projects through PPP mode, including a viability gap funding upto 40 per cent," it addedThe task force on waste to energy headed by K Kasturirangan had been constituted by the Commission and its report was submitted to the Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia on Monday.The group was asked to identify technically feasible, financially affordable and environmentally sound processing and disposal technologies for MSW and evaluate technological options, financial mechanisms and institutional arrangements to enhance resource recovery and promote waste to energy technologies.At present, urban India generates 1,70,000 tonnes of MSW every day.Of this, only 19 per cent is treated and rest goes to dump sites, causing serious health problems and adverse impact on environment. The situation is assuming alarming proportions.The report highlights the need for an integrated approach towards MSW management, stressing on reduction and segregation of waste at source and efficient utilisation of various components of waste.It also lays emphasis on the need to set up centralised and decentralised waste processing facilities keeping in view the quantity and quality of waste generated and financial viability of the processing technology.The report provides guidance for the selection of appropriate technology and clearly indicates technologies that could be adopted by various classes of cities.It also emphasises on the need to convert combustible waste into refuse derived fuel and use it for setting up power plants based on RDF.The report is being sent to the Chief Ministers of all states for use as a guideline document for integrated waste management.This report is expected to provide appropriate linkages to the new MSW rules being currently framed by ministry of environment and forest and the national manual for solid waste management which is being revised by ministry of urban development.