SLRM scripts success in waste management in Udupi

Teams from across the state are making a beeline to the district to study the new concept of Solid and Liquid Waste Resource Management (SLRM) adopted in many gram panchayats in the district.

The initiative began under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis, who was keen on turning the waste into a profitable venture.

Under the SLRM, the waste is broadly segregated into dry and wet waste. Later, they are further segregated under various categories. The wet waste is converted into compost while dry waste is segregated and sold.

Francis told DH that the idea of managing solid and liquid waste by incorporating scientific methods was first-of-its-kind in the state and the venture was launched at minimal cost.

By converting the liquid and solid waste into resources, the gram panchayats have earned money. The burden of disposing the waste is also reduced, she said.

Currently, 45 gram panchayats have adopted the new technique. Out of the 45, three are completely self-sustained. Vandse, Kollur and Hebri gram panchayats are bearing all the expenses incurred through the profit made under SLRM project.

The deputy commissioner executed the plan in a such a manner that many gram panchayats have achieved self-sustainability in a phased manner.

By 2019, it is hoped that all 145 gram panchayats in the district would be covered under the SLRM programme.

Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary Srinivas Rao said that till now 700 tonnes of waste (around 300 tonnes of dry waste and 400 tonnes of wet waste) had been sold through safe disposal techniques adopted.

A the total 13 tonnes of waste has remained unsold. Of this 10 tonnes is non-recyclable (the non-recyclable waste includes thermocoal and multi-layered plastic covers). The other three tonnes includes diapers and sanitary napkins. The diapers and sanitary napkins are disposed of scientifically by burying them beneath the soil. As according to an agreement with a factory in Kalaburgi, which manufactures cement, non-recyclable waste would replace 10% of the coal used.

A cooperative society will be formed after gram panchayat passes a by-law. There would be mutual agreement between the gram panchayat and the cooperative society to set up the SLRM project. The cooperative society, that would be set up, will function like any other normal cooperative society, Rao said.