JOIN US The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) appears to have found a way of resolving the City’s garbage problem.
Under a new project, Samartha’, it will rope in ragpickers to collect and segregate dry waste.
The project has been launched on a pilot basis, and the Palike has joined hands with nine non-governmental organisations. It’s a special project of the Central government with funds of Rs one crore, the project director, Ramachandra, told Deccan Herald. The Palike will not only mobilise the ragpickers but also form their 12 groups, of six to seven members each, to collect the garbage. “It will take a year. The groups will be formed in all eight zones of the BBMP,” Ramachandra added.
Win-win situation
The project will help the BBMP as well as the ragpickers. “While the Palike will be able to collect and segregate dry waste, the ragpickers will get an increased and steady income,” he said. The participating NGOs will pick and train the scrap dealers in collecting the garbage using scientific methods.
Stipend of Rs 6,000
During the training period, the scrap dealers will be paid a monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 in the first two months, so that they do not lose on their daily wages. Besides, social security camps will be held for them.
Socio-economic data
The project began in March, and currently, the socio-economic data of ragpickers is being compiled.
The NGOs will also deal with commercial establishments and other places where dry waste can be collected. The scrap will be later brought to the BBMP’s dry waste processing centres. In the project’s advance phase, bulk generators will be linked through the Internet and mobile phone.
Ragpickers will be trained in weaving materials out of low quality waste.