Zero-waste project on hold at 70 slums in twin cities

PIMPRI CHINCHWAD: Numerous accolades for its zero-waste project in Gawali Matha slum last year had prompted the civic administration of the twin cities to expand this initiative to the remaining 70-odd slums under its limits. But this move is yet to see the light of day.

For its successful project, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) had roped in a local women's self-help group (SHG), which recycled wet waste from the slum to turn into compost.

Now, claiming that the expansion will be in phases, PCMC commissioner and administrator Shekhar Singh said, "This is an important project for us. In the first phase, we selected eight slums, the pilot project for which was done successfully in Gawali Matha slum. Now, SHGs have been shortlisted and training sessions are underway for their members. We selected the slums from each of the eight zones under the civic limits."

He admitted, "The actual work of waste collection and turning it into compost has still not started. But it will soon."

Singh also said that depending on the response in the first phase with the eight slums, PCMC will expand the project to the rest of the slums under its limits by next year. "We do not want to rush. This is a zero-waste project and needs to be executed precisely," he said.

The experimental project at Gawli Matha slum of Nehru Nagar produced its first batch of natural compost in December 2022. The project aims to reduce the burden on the Moshi garbage processing unit.


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