Bengaluru is set to be open-defecation-free (ODF) by October 31, M Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minster of Urban Development and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, has said.
“The Union Energy and Fertiliser ministries have approved projects to convert waste generated in the city. To implement it, Karnataka government has involved state agriculture department to directly market and sell the compost produced through Raitha Samparka. Kendras (RSKs),” he added.
“This is a good initiative of convergence which other cities should also look at. The agriculture department has been advised to avail market development assistance of ₹1,500 per tonne given by the central government,” he said.
Naidu reviewed progress of missions/schemes coming under the Urban Development and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation.
About four waste to compost plants out of eight in Bengaluru are not functional due to non-disposal of refuse-derived fuel (RDF). The state government has been advised to expedite the process of setting up two waste to energy plants to resolve the issue and take advantage of amended electricity act and involve private participation.
Naidu said it is heartening to know that Karnataka has recently increased its contribution towards IHHL to Rs 11,000 from Rs 1300.
Currently only three cities – Mysuru, Mangaluru and Udupi out of the 276 are ODF. Today at the review I came to know that 97 cities are aiming to be ODF by October 2 this year.