To give an altogether new look to the cities and make the state a leading player in solid waste management, the Local Government Minister, Punjab, Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu today visited various projects running successfully in the sector. The minister viewed power point presentations on the subject .In a statement, the minister said that during past decade the urban population of Punjab was befooled in the name of establishing solid waste management projects but in reality the people living in urban areas had to live in hell. He said that on assuming charge, he had promised a permanent and fool proof mechanism of solid waste management. As part of that commitment and bring the departmental officers in tune wirh real state of affairs, he reviewed the solid waste management projects. He further said that the urban population is reeling under multitude of problems including foul smell emanating from sewerage with plastic and building construction materials blocking these. He today oversaw several short term and long term projects equipped with latest technology . He also divulged that ultra modern super suction machines would be pressed into service to tackle the problem with regard to blockage of sewers which results in stagnant water during rainy season.Mr. Sidhu said that emphasis would be on establishing plants to manufacture green coal (used in cement plants), compost manure, plastic granules (as part of short term projects ) biogas and electricity (as part of long time projects). The initial focus would be on short term projects to provide immediate relief to the people.
Laying stress on Punjab being predominantly an agricultural state, Mr. Sidhu said that the farming community of the state would be provided with the compost manure to spare their lands from the harmful effects of pesticides. He further said that the soil of Punjab is suffering from the destructive effects of harmful and toxic pesticides whose viable alternative can be found in the compost and organic manure. He also elaborated that while cleanliness drive would begin in cities with in a short span the proposal to install energy plants encompassing these 5 spheres would be presented to the Chief Minister so as to fulfill the promise of hygienic environment to the people. The minister further informed that with the tour of the plants today, he has witnessed the process and procedure in the establishment of these plants. Disclosing more, he said that top honchos of companies like RAMKI, Metro Transit, Anthonese, Jindal Waste to power plant which operate these plants also met him and assured of their full cooperation in providing clean environment as well as civic amenities to the people of Punjab. He also made it clear that no departure would be made from quality in this regard. The minister also said that keeping in view the tremendous potential of Punjab in unlocking the renewable energy sources and no effort would be spared in providing every assistance to those exhibiting interest in establishing the plants in these spheres.He also divulged that he has instructed the officials of the department to seek detailed reports regarding technical know how which would be placed before the Chief Minister for his approval.Among others present on the occasion included Secretary, Local Government, Mr. J. M. Balamurugan, Director Mr. Kamal Kishore Yadav and top officials from the companies operating in the sector.