Will Maharashtra Unveil a New Solid Waste Management Policy Soon?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- New policy for solid waste management to be implemented soon.
- Mumbai generates approximately 7,000 metric tonnes of waste daily.
- Focus on waste transportation and disposal issues across all Municipal Corporations.
- Plans for waste-to-power generation projects are being considered.
- Strict fire audits will be conducted for all malls in the state.
Mumbai, July 3 (NationPress) During a session of the Legislative Council, Minister Uday Samant announced that a thorough policy addressing solid waste management challenges will be introduced shortly. This initiative targets issues ranging from Gram Panchayats to the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai.
Responding to a query from Pragya Satav (Congress), the minister highlighted that Mumbai generates approximately 7,000 metric tonnes of waste daily. He noted that efforts are currently in progress to clear the accumulation of waste at the Deonar Dumping Ground since 1930, with Kanjurmarg being considered as an alternative solution.
“There are prevalent issues regarding transport and waste spilling onto the streets across all Municipal Corporations. Hence, the forthcoming policy will also address waste transportation concerns,” he stated.
Minister Samant further explained that the Comptroller General of Accounts guidelines are being enforced and that the state government is contemplating establishing waste-to-power generation projects to minimize future dumping.
In response to another inquiry from Kripal Tumane (Shiv Sena), the minister revealed that, due to the rising number of fire incidents in malls across Mumbai, the state government will implement rigorous fire audits for these establishments.
“Municipalities will be instructed to complete fire safety audits for all malls within 90 days. Malls failing to comply with fire safety regulations will face electricity and water disconnections,” he said.
Minister Samant emphasized that the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation has already initiated actions in this regard. There will be zero tolerance for negligence in fire safety, and all class B, C, and D Municipalities in Maharashtra will be required to verify the fire safety compliance of malls.
He added that necessary actions will be taken in accordance with the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Protection of Life Act 2006, if required.