The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) is in the process of commissioning a solid waste disposal unit at the Hinjewadi IT Park. The facility will be capable of processing 10 tonnes of waste per day and producing 150 to 200 kilograms of bio-compressed natural gas (bio-CNG).
Initiative Beyond Standard Requirements
Nilesh Modhave, superintendent engineer of MIDC, said that setting up a solid waste processing unit is typically a task for municipal bodies. While it is not a standard requirement for an industrial area, MIDC decided to take this initiative due to the increasing waste generated by the growing residential population and commercial establishments within the IT park.
Facility Details and Investment
The Rs 11 crore facility will collect segregated solid waste from dedicated points across all three phases of the 684 hectare Hinjewadi IT Park under MIDC jurisdiction. Phase 3, in particular, has seen a surge in large scale residential projects alongside the tech campuses that occupy the majority of the park's 146 plots.
Operations and Management
The plant will be operated by Abhay Bio CNG, a firm that already manages similar waste to energy projects in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Kanchan Bhalerao, CEO of Abhay Bio CNG, stated that construction is in its final stages. The company plans to set up a refueling station at the site for local vehicles or transport the gas via cascades to other stations.
Addressing Hygiene and Safety Concerns
The initiative comes as a response to deteriorating hygiene conditions in the area. MIDC officials have noted frequent instances of garbage being dumped in roadside trenches and underground ducts, leading to foul odours and environmental hazards. More critically, the accumulated waste poses a fire risk to underground utility cables, particularly high voltage electricity lines.
Lack of Civic Discipline
The problem is exacerbated by lack of civic discipline among commuters. Satyam Joshi, a tech professional residing in Hinjewadi, said that many people toss garbage bags out of their cars while on the way to work. He recounted an incident where a driver pulled up near Wipro Circle, threw a waste bag out of the window, and sped off, calling it a major nuisance for those living and working in the area.
