Raising Rs 40 cr for waste management in Waluj MIDC poses challenge

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

Six to seven small and medium water supply projects near the Waluj Industrial Sector, serving surrounding villages, are becoming contaminated. Solid waste is flowing in large quantities into the water reservoirs and surrounding areas. A solid waste management project worth Rs 40 crore will need to be raised. Discussions were held at the divisional commissioner’s office on Wednesday to decide who will provide the funding. This issue affects approximately four lakh people. In response to a petition from the State Human Rights Commission, the commissioner’s office, along with MIDC and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, is holding meetings to find solutions.

Lack of space and unplanned industrial sheds

Currently, there is no available land for industries in the above industrial sector. As a result, unplanned industrial sheds are being set up in the surrounding areas. The workers employed in these industries are migrants and are residing in nearby villages. This has caused an ecological imbalance, leading to the contamination of lakes and massive waste generation. The wastewater treatment plants are non-functional, and untreated sewage is flowing into water projects, putting the health of villagers at risk. The Human Rights Commission has taken suo-motu action and filed a petition on this issue.

Population of 4 Lakh affected

The industrial sector is under MIDC's planning authority. However, providing facilities for the expanded area has become beyond MIDC's capacity. Industrial sheds are being constructed without proper infrastructure. The entire land in the Waluj Industrial Sector is now occupied. Around 4 to 4.5 lakh people live in this area, with approximately one lakh being migrant workers.

Efforts for solid waste disposal

The Divisional Commissioner Dilip Gawde said, “A processing project is needed for solid waste disposal, requiring an estimated Rs 40 crore funding. The suggestion is to seek this funding from MIDC. MIDC already has one project in place, and there are a few projects within the Grampanchayat limits. Funding will also be required for the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). Discussions have been held on all these matters, and solutions are expected in the future.”