Hans News service

Suryapet:District Collector Tejas Nand Lal Pawar has directed officials to strengthen solid waste management system in urban areas and ensure strict implementation of the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court.

He warned that negligence in sanitation and waste management would not be tolerated. During a review meeting held at the Collectorate on Wednesday, the Collector assessed the implementation of end-to-end waste collection and sanitation plans in the municipalities of Suryapet, Kodad, Huzurnagar, Nereducherla, and Tirumalagiri.

He instructed municipal authorities to prepare comprehensive action plans for sanitation, waste collection, and recycling. Officials informed the meeting that Suryapet Municipality is now collecting waste in four categories: dry waste, wet waste, sanitary waste, and special-care waste, in accordance with the latest guidelines.

Around 80 per cent of waste is currently being successfully segregated and collected. The Collector emphasised the need to create greater public awareness through ward meetings. He also directed officials to appoint dedicated in-charge officers for each dumping yard and ensure that all collected waste is either recycled or scientifically disposed of.

Highlighting long-term solutions, he recommended the establishment of bio-methanation plants for processing wet and vegetable waste. The gas produced from these plants can be utilized for cooking purposes and for operating incinerators at Vaikuntha Dhamams. He instructed authorities to prepare plans for setting up such plants near market areas in Suryapet and Kodad. Officials reported that nearly one tonne of plastic waste is collected and processed daily.