Bhubaneswar, May 8: The municipal corporation is finally taking firm steps to ensure smooth functioning of Bhuasuni dump yard.
After proposing to create a green buffer zone between the dump yard and the adjoining village, the corporation has decided to set up a permanent site office and deploy security guards at the site to make the facility function without a hitch.
The move comes in the wake of resistance by villagers of nearby Daruthenga who had locked up the site in February to protest against the dumping of waste. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation will now have round-the-clock security, along with provisions of electricity and drinking water at the site.
"We want to have complete possession of the dump yard to avoid any further problems. We have already sought support from the police for the purpose while we will deploy our own security guards to take care of the site in future. We will also ensure electricity and drinking water facility at the site," said municipal commissioner Krishan Kumar.
Kumar said that an additional landfill site at Tulasadeipur, nearly three kilometres away from Bhuasuni, has also been identified for dumping of garbage in case of emergency. "We are in talks with the pollution control board for their approval as the additional site is surrounded by an eco-sensitive zone. We will begin using the additional site once we get the approval from the board," said the commissioner.
A senior pollution control board official said that the board had been receiving frequent complaints from the villagers of Daruthenga on irregular dumping of solid waste at the open site by the corporation. "We have engaged our experts to find the truth in the complaints. We are also working on the proposal of the civic body to accord them approval for using the additional site. The process might take nearly two months," said the official.
Sources said that there existed nearly 100 acres in Tulasadeipur of which around 56 acres is identified as eco-sensitive zone. The corporation is planning to use the other 44 acres for additional waste management project. Of the 44 acres, the civic body plans to use 30 decimal of land for the proposed waste-to-energy plant at Bhuasuni.
On the delay in the execution of the waste-to-energy plant at Bhuasuni, a civic body official told The Telegraph that due to constant oppositions from locals, the project was delayed but efforts would be made to expedite the work on the plant. "It will take nearly 18 to 30 months to complete the project. The permanent security will make the job of setting up the plant at Bhuasuni easy," he said.
The corporation has also sought assistance from Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC) to create a green belt between Bhuasuni dump yard and Daruthenga village. Twelve acres has been identified for the purpose where the officials will plant only fast growing trees.
"The OFDC will provide the saplings and prepare the map for planting the trees at the site. A sum of Rs 37 lakh will be spent for creating the green belt. The civic body will take care of plantation and maintenance of the forest," said environment officer B.K. Routray.
