Efforts help Maneed become dist's first waste-free panchayat

MANAGING waste is an uphill task. However, Maneed grama panchayat in Ernakulam took the challenge head on, and over the past one year, implemented various activities systematically and diligently. The result: It was declared a completely waste-free panchayat on Friday.

- ANU KURUVILLA @Kochi

"To achieve the feat, we got the Haritha Karma Sena, which was formed for door-to-door waste collection, to intensify its activities and expanded the at-source waste treatment project in the panchayat," Paul Varghese, the local body president, told TNIE. The panchayat distributed bio-bins and bio-pots, and built compost pits and soak pits in all 4,464 houses, and 261 private and 36 public establishments within its limits to process biodegradable waste right at the source. "There are no institutions or houses in the panchayat without these facilities now," Paul said.