MCC, Sweden firm joins hands to handle waste

Mysore City Corporation (MCC) and Eskilstuna Energy and Environment (EEE), Sweden signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to create a detailed planning report for managing the increasing waste and converting it into biogas.

At a meeting held here on Friday evening at a private hotel, MCC commissioner M R Ravi and EEE project manager Mattias Gustaffson signed the MoU enabling EEE to create a detailed report in association with environmental engineers of MCC on utilising waste of 280 metric tonnes per day (MTD) expected to be generated in the city by 2015. The waste generated could be processed to either generate biogas or electricity, depending on the needs of Mysore city.

Speaking to mediapersons, Gustaffson said a pre-feasibility study was already undertaken by EEE. He said that from the 280 MTD of waste, it is possible to generate 5.2 million cubic metres of methane or an equivalent of 5.2 million litres of petroleum. He said if the city decides, it could also use it for supplying LPG to households by creating a gas grid or if it chooses electricity, a power grid could be created to supply power to localities in the city.

While the detailed planning report is expected to take around one year, MCC commissioner M R Ravi said the civic body is trying to identify options to ensure that waste is treated scientifically.

However, participants at the meeting expressed apprehension over the sustainability of the project in the heritage city. While Eskilstuna, a city in Sweden, has a population of only one lakh, Mysore has more than 10 lakh population.

Another apprehension was the varying climate in both the cities.  Also, awareness among public about segregation of waste at sources is a concern raised by MCC officials.