Sanitary waste processing plant opened in Varkala municipality

The Varkala municipality in Thiruvananthauram has finally arrived at a solution to the mounting problem of sanitary waste with the opening of a sanitary waste processing plant. The plant, with a capacity to process five tonnes of waste daily, is also the first medium scale plant in the State with waste-to-energy conversion capabilities with a capacity to produce 60 KW of electricity. Minister for Local Self-Governments M.B. Rajesh inaugurated the plant on Wednesday.

Handling of sanitary waste, including diapers and condoms, has been one of the major challenges for the local bodies in the State, as mechanisms are in place to address all the other kinds of waste. With a major tourist spot and a pilgrimage centre located within its area, the Varkala municipality has been faced with quite a task to handle large amounts of various kinds of waste. According to K.M. Laji, chairperson of the Varkala municipality, all the panchayats and municipalities in the surrounding areas and in other parts of the district can make use of the sanitary waste processing plant.

“We have been seeing sacks filled with sanitary pads, diapers and such waste dumped in public spaces and in vacant plots in the municipality. Though we tell people not to dump such waste, there was no way to process it too. So, one of the major demands of the public for a long time has been a way to process this waste. With this sanitary waste plant finally becoming a reality, it is expected to be a lasting solution to this problem,” said Mr. Laji.

Private agency

The plant was set up at a total cost of ₹1.47 crore. The municipality has entered into a contract with a private agency which will operate and maintain the plant for ten years.

The rate for households for processing one kilogram of sanitary waste has been fixed at ₹42, out of which ₹1 will go to the municipality as service charge. The electricity generated from the plant will be used for the municipality’s purposes.