Minister lays stone for Rs 32.32 cr biomining project at Wariana dump

Punjab Local Government Minister Balkar Singh today laid the foundation stone for the much-awaited biomining project at the Wariana dump site. The project is set to be developed at a cost of Rs 32.32 crore.

Highlighting the significance of the project, the minister said it would help scientifically manage and dispose of over 80 lakh tonnes of solid waste, accumulated at the Wariana dump, over the next 26 months.

A Maharashtra-based company would oversee the waste processing, which includes biomining, bioculture excavation, maintenance, loading, transportation and management of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) in compliance with solid waste management rules, he said.

Balkar expressed optimism over the initiative helping Jalandhar’s residents get rid of the massive heaps of garbage that have accumulated in Wariana. He said it would also lead to significant improvements in local pollution markers.

An additional Rs 2.80 crore has been allocated for the supply, installation and commissioning of bio-mining machinery, as per technical specifications.

He said the project would fulfil the long-pending demand of the people of Jalandhar of eliminating the massive garbage dumps in the city. He asked senior officials of Jalandhar Municipal Corporation to personally monitor the entire project and to ensure it was ready in time.

Reaffirming the government’s dedication to urban development, the minister stated there was no shortage of funds for executing developmental projects and enhancing civic amenities. He assured people that more major projects such as this one were on the horizon to improve the living standards of people in the state’s cities.