Tiruvannamalai Corporation to Use Non-Biodegradable Waste for Road Construction

Quick Summary:

• Tiruvannamalai Corporation will donate 250 tonnes of accumulated non-biodegradable waste, mostly PET plastic bottles, to a Coimbatore-based startup for road-laying purposes begining Monday.
• The startup has signed an MoU with the civic body to collect untreated plastic waste from Micro Compost Centres (MCCs) free of cost.
• Plastic waste will be removed weekly from MCCs by the private firm. Officials believe this initiative will minimize landfill volumes and improve cleanliness in Tiruvannamalai town.
• MCCs cover around 4 wards each within the corporation limits comprising 39 wards. On average, around 20 tonnes of plastic waste are generated daily in the town out of a total daily waste generation of 65-70 tonnes.
• Space freed up at MCCs through regular disposal is expected to facilitate better treatment of biodegradable wastes into organic manure for farmers nearby.
• The project currently focuses on central areas but aims to expand across more regions later.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

Tiruvannamalai CorporationS partnership with a startup highlights practical use cases for repurposing non-biodegradable waste, addressing two major issues simultaneously: reducing local landfill dependency and contributing materials for infrastructure work like road laying.This approach could serve as a replicable model across urban centers facing similar challenges in managing mounting plastic pollution.

Moreover,freeing space at micro Compost Centres can bolster enduring agricultural practices by prioritizing organic manure production over excessive storage of untreated plastics. However, the success of such initiatives hinges on consistent execution, adequate regulatory oversight on safe disposal methods by involved startups, and expansion beyond limited geographic areas over time.

The corporation’s recent transition from municipality to corporate governance structure underscores its renewed focus on integrated regional development involving surrounding villages-a promising shift that could enhance both environmental health and quality-of-life metrics within Tamil Nadu’s growing urban contexts.

For full details: The Hindu