THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The irrigation department officials have identified three areas in the state to set up solid waste treatment plants. These are at Edamalayar irrigation project, Siruvani dam at Malampuzha and Pampa irrigation project at Vadasserikkara, Pathanamthitta. Additional chief secretary (water resources) Tom Jose had asked the officials to identify land above 10 acres to set up the plants. The Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation is the facilitator for this innovative project.
Tom Jose hit upon this idea of locating suitable land following public uproar over garbage management by the local bodies. The state government has been tapping various options as the people have been opposing the local bodies' move to set up solid waste plants in thickly populated areas. The irrigation department officials have been scouting for land over the last one month. A source told DC that large areas of land are available under industries and agriculture departments and with many public sector undertakings like Oil Palm India Ltd and Rehabilitation Plantations Ltd.
"Mr Jose has asked irrigation and other departments to identify 12 locations across the state. The plants will be set up with the support of local self-government," the source said. The KSIDC has identified a consultant, IRG Systems South Asia Private Limited (IRG-SSA), a subsidiary of an American company working for energy and environment solutions. The MNC has been empanelled as a consultant by the union urban affairs ministry. Once the Request for Proposal is approved, private developers will be chosen to set up the plants.
