MC to set up new horticulture waste processing plant in Chandigarh

The Municipal Corporation has issued a fresh tender for setting up a horticulture waste processing plant of 60 TPD (tonnes per day) capacity. It will involve scientific processing of horticulture waste with zero liability. The expenditure on establishment, operation and maintenance of the plant will be borne by the selected company.

At present, the MC has only one horticulture waste processing plant of 30 TPD capacity. The plant, which is located near 3 BRD, processed selective horticulture waste of pruned branches upto 6-inch girth.

Sources said the MC had discontinued the services of the contractor running the 30 TPD plant and decided to run it on its own till the new tender was finalised.

Councillors had objected to the terms and conditions pertaining to the 30 TPD plant following which the MC issued the new tender. Senior Deputy Mayor Jasbir Singh Bunty, Deputy Mayor Taruna Mehta and councillor Premlata had raised questions over the terms and conditions of the existing plant under which the MC gave lakhs of rupees to the private company for its operation and maintenance.

An MC official said the civic body had various green zones in the city, which collectively generate 60 MT of horticulture waste on a daily basis. Approximately 120 tonnes of waste is generated in the peak season. Horticulture waste mostly comprises dry leaves (in autumn season), cut grass, garden waste from parks/households, palm tree leaves and may comprise pruning waste. The existing capacity of the plant was required to be upgraded in view of the increased quantum of waste and to process other horticulture waste.

The civic body has identified approximately 3 acres for establishment of the 60 TPD horticulture waste processing plant. As per the tender, apart from setting up the new 60 TPD horticulture waste processing plant in four months, the company will be given the responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the existing plant.