Urban waste can generate 1,700 MW power

Indore, Sep 13 (UNI) More than four crore tonnes of solid waste and six billion cubic metre liquid waste that is discharged from urban areas in the country could be used for generating 1,700 MW power.

As per an estimate, solid waste from urban areas could help in producing 3,650 MW power by 2012 and 5,200 MW power by 2017.

Under the National Urban Renewal Mission, waste management is expected to get a boost in 60 major cities in the country including Indore.

As per official information, use of various technical alternatives would be encouraged for generating power through waste management that would help in reducing amount of waste by 60-90 per cent.

This would also reduce pressure on land for disposal of waste besides bringing down pollution level.

Under the Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000, providing facilities for appropriate disposal of waste to category '1' towns has become necessary.

Besides, the 12th Finance Commission has recommended that at least 50 per cent of the grant provided to states for urban civic bodies must be used for collection segregation and transportation of waste.

UNI