Will the Maha government successfully establish a separate cell for waste management?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- A dedicated cell for waste management will be established in Maharashtra.
- Solapur city is utilizing advanced biogas technology for waste disposal.
- Proper classification of waste is essential for effective management.
- State government committed to supporting municipalities in waste management.
- Challenges remain in certain areas, indicating a need for continuous improvement.
Mumbai, July 14 (NationPress) - In a significant announcement made in the state assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde revealed that a dedicated cell will be established to address the challenges faced by municipal corporations and municipalities across the state in terms of waste management.
Shinde's comments came in response to a question posed by BJP legislator Vijay Deshmukh, with additional inquiries from members Abhimanyu Pawar and Arjun Khotkar.
The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that the daily waste disposal in Solapur city is effectively handled by Solapur Bioenergy Company Limited. This facility operates a biogas project capable of processing 300 tons of waste per day, producing biogas and fertilizers from organic waste while ensuring dry waste is sorted and sent to processing units.
Shinde emphasized the necessity for proper waste classification within municipalities and municipal corporations. He noted that directives have already been issued to the Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department to tackle issues faced by smaller municipalities and corporations. The state government pledges to provide essential support to all such entities, ensuring a transparent resolution process.
Minister of State Madhuri Misal reported that in Solapur city, waste is collected directly from households using bell carts. However, challenges remain as some slum areas continue to experience waste accumulation despite these efforts. Currently, Solapur city has about seven lakh tons of waste, with five lakh tons successfully collected.
Furthermore, in response to another query from Shiv Sena UBT legislator Bhaskar Jadhav, the Deputy Chief Minister announced that an inquiry will be initiated by the Divisional Commissioner regarding two different water supply schemes linked to the Maharashtra Golden Jayanti Urban Redevelopment Mission within the Chakan Municipal Council.
Shinde explained that the water supply initiative received administrative approval on February 24, 2024, and a work order was issued on March 13, 2024. Although an extension until March 31, 2025, has been granted, the Chakan Municipal Council has proposed a penalty for the contractor due to delays. However, since orders were also issued under the state-level scheme for the same location, instructions were given to halt the work on May 13, 2025, and no payments have been made from the state-level scheme.