GHMC to remove debris

Hyderabad: Hyderabad generates the third largest volume of concrete construction waste after Delhi and Mumbai. Every day the city generates between 1,000 to 1,500 metric tons of debris, which is nearly half of the garbage generated per day. Delhi has established concrete recycling plants to deal with this issue. Though GHMC has a similar proposal, it is yet to be fully operational.

Most of the construction waste is dumped just anywhere. Though GHMC has offered to dispose of the waste by charging builders Rs 360 per ton, the builders don’t want to pay and dump the waste on the main roads or open lands. It is a common sight to see mounds of building debris around lakes, on the streets or in the open space. Disposing of this debris in a proper manner was on top of the agenda in the 100-day action plan.

When such dumping is so common, it is surprising to hear the GHMC Commissioner Dr B Janardhan Reddy saying that such dumping is illegal, and yet he is obviously tolerating it.

“Debris disposed of in the open or on footpaths, roads and colonies, is illegal as per the Municipal Act. Those found doing this will be fined Rs 10,000 and the violator will be booked under Section 413 of the Municipal Act. Builders willing to dispose of waste to GHMC must call the circle town planning officer with the address. The debris will be removed after paying the charges,” he said. Decentralised C&D waste plants have been proposed at four locations - Fathullaguda, Jeedimetla, Kothwalguda and Mallapur.