SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, Dec 23: The Ranchi Municipal Corporation has installed composting machines at two public places in the city under a pilot project, one of which is situated in the Naga Baba Vegetable market.
However, within weeks of installation, the machine has started to smell which is affecting both the shopkeepers that sit there for long hours along with the customers visiting the market to purchase vegetables and fruits.
Installed over two weeks ago, the RMC is already unable to use the machine properly. Vegetable scraps and fruit remains were initially put in the machine to compost for a couple of days, however, the recycled compost is yet to be removed from the machine. Earlier, it was said that the compost prepared was to be sold by self-help groups, which now seems doubtful.
Meanwhile, as per the instructions provided by the company installing the machines, the manure or compost needs to be taken out of the machines before another batch of garbage is put in. The company then informed that the manure will be ready within 24 hours of being put in the garbage.
On the other hand, officials sitting inside the RMC offices seem oblivious to the fact and are eager to inform that the machine is working properly without any issues. Notably, under the pilot project, a composting machine has also been installed near Karbala Chowk. The manure has not been taken out from here as well.
While talking in this regard, an official at the RMC claimed, “Till now the machine has only been used twice under the trial basis, and both times, we have removed manure from it.” When further asked about the foul smell that the locals are complaining of, he said, “It is impossible.”
Officials had earlier stated that other composting machines would be installed all over the city after noting the success of these two machines. However, the level of disregard seems to prove that the future of these machines in the city is bleak. It is worth mentioning that the machines are bought with the taxpayers’ money which seems to be going down the metaphorical drain.
The RMC had earlier stated that the machines were installed in the mini transfer station i.e. MTS under a plan to dispose of and manage waste products from the vegetable market and other areas. The two machines set up have different capacities. The machine installed at the vegetable market has a capacity of 500 kg per day, while the second machine at Karbala Chowk has a daily capacity of 1500 kg. Initially, the staff was trained so that the waste disposal can be done properly.
Another noteworthy issue is that the RMC is talking about imposing fines under the Waste Management Act on the private institutions which are yet to install compost machines, despite not showing seriousness in this regard themselves.
