The Municipal Solid Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2000 and judicial actions have put pressure on the Urban Local Bodies to take steps to put in place appropriate solid waste management (SWM) systems. IL&FS Ecosmart Limited (Ecosmart) is currently working on such SWM projects for a number of municipal corporations in the country.
In the absence of a holistic approach, several SWM projects are languishing or operating far below capacity, whereas Ecosmart has successfully developed and implemented Solid Waste Management Plans for many municipal corporations. The distinguishing feature of Ecosmart’s approach for SWM project is that it seeks to address environmental, social and commercial aspects including developing bankable projects with the appropriate implementation and financing framework. The projects so developed would be considered for bidding out for private sector participation using a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) through transparent and competitive bidding processes. Private sector participation will help address the considerable financing requirements in the sector.
The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) following a competitive bidding process awarded a consultancy contract to IL&FS for setting up scientifically managed and environmentally sustainable SWM services at four disposal sites located at Deonar, Mulund, Gorai and proposed new site at Kanjur village. Ecosmart is executing this mandate on behalf of IL&FS. The problems faced at these sites are unique in nature, which makes this contract one of the most challenging and prestigious mandates in the SWM field.
As part of this assignment, Ecosmart undertook a detailed data collection and analysis to arrive at waste characterization for close to 6500 tonnes per day of MSW. Ecosmart evaluated the environmental and social impacts of current SWM practices and worked out appropriate technological solutions for processing and scientific management of waste at the disposal sites. The projects were developed taking into account constraints in terms of availability of land and after evaluating available technologies and their environmental and social impact. Ecosmart closely examined the possibilities to recycle and reuse the waste, with special emphasis on the commercial and marketing aspects of the processed (recyclables, compost, waste to energy) outputs generated.
