...
...
Next Story

Waste No More! Lucknow’s 20 lakh tonnes of garbage set for scientific elimination

Now, Bhoomi Green Energy has stepped in, pledging to treat and eliminate this colossal waste within a tight timeframe of 15 months.

Updated on: Nov 30, 2023, 19:09:13 IST
Advertisement

LUCKNOW Pune-based company Bhoomi Green Energy Private Limited has been entrusted with the mammoth responsibility of scientifically eliminating a staggering 20 lakh metric tonnes of solid waste by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC).

Shivri waste treatment plant (HT Photo)
Shivri waste treatment plant (HT Photo)

Faced with the imminent threat of heavy fines from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) due to an immense pile of solid waste, estimated to be equivalent in size to a staggering 100 football fields, the LMC sought a solution to a problem that, if left unattended, would take a century to decompose naturally. Now, Bhoomi Green Energy has stepped in, pledging to treat and eliminate this colossal waste within a tight timeframe of 15 months.

Municipal commissioner Inderjeet Singh stated, “The mountain of 20 lakh tonnes of garbage created by Eco Green would perish soon. Pune-based company Bhoomi Green Energy has taken the responsibility of removing it in 15 months. About 120 crore will be spent on its disposal, of which 97 crore has been provided by the government. There is no shortage of funds for keeping the environment clean.”

The inefficiency of Eco Green Company, responsible for waste disposal for the entire city, turned the municipal corporation’s waste disposal plant at Shivri into a mountain of waste exceeding 20 lakh tonnes. Dr Arvind Rao, additional municipal commissioner in charge of the Shivri plant, is optimistic about the treatment of this legacy waste, emphasizing that Lucknow will soon set an example for other cities.

Dr. Rao remarked, “As you know, tenders for the treatment of 20 lakh tonnes of legacy waste are finalized, and I am sure that within the next 15 months, all this 20 lakh tonnes of waste would be treated, and Lucknow will set an example in front of other cities about treating piles of legacy waste.”

He added, “Now, the new company will make fertilizer (RDF) and other environmental products from waste. The municipal corporation will enter into an agreement with the company in two-three days.”

Allegations surfaced that the accumulated waste was polluting seven villages, causing irreparable environmental damage, especially in Thakurganj, Chowk, and nearby areas of Shivri. With garbage disposal set to begin in two-three days, the cost of this monumental task is estimated at 120 crore.

The NGT had previously imposed a fine of 20 crore on the LMC in 2019. Municipal commissioner Inderjeet Singh faced a personal appearance before the NGT to present the city’s future waste management and disposal plan. The NGT granted a last chance of three months, which LMC successfully utilised to implement an effective waste management system. This extension expires in just two days.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anupam Srivastava

Anupam Srivastava is a Special Correspondent with Hindustan Times, Lucknow, with over 26 years of experience in journalism. A widely travelled reporter, he is known for producing impactful exclusives, investigative reports, and in-depth analyses across environment, science, healthcare, women's issues, human-interest stories, civil aviation, surface and inland water transport, agriculture, urban and rural development, governance, public policy, politics, culture, music, and literature. Recognised for his meticulous research and evidence-based reporting, he has consistently highlighted issues that directly affect the lives of ordinary citizens, exposing governance gaps, policy failures, and environmental concerns while amplifying the voices of underserved communities. His reporting has influenced public discourse and contributed to administrative action and policy interventions, including the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to accord river status to the Kukrail instead of a drain after his reportage brought the issue into focus. His commitment to public-interest journalism has earned him prestigious awards for excellence in reporting on environment, science, literature, and culture. Combining investigative journalism, data-driven analysis, and compelling storytelling, Anupam Srivastava continues to produce journalism that informs, influences, and promotes accountability, firmly upholding the values of an independent and responsible press.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Notifications

Get breaking alerts directly from the newsroom

Notifications are on!You'll be notified when news breaks