Belagavi Embarks on Major Waste Management Overhaul Under Central Scheme
Belagavi stands as the only city from Karnataka selected for the central government's Smart City 2.0 initiative, known as CITIIS 2.0. This selection paves the way for a comprehensive transformation of the city's solid waste management system.
Financial Framework and Project Timeline
The Belagavi City Corporation has prepared an ambitious proposal for scientific solid waste management. The total estimated cost reaches Rs 135 crore. The city corporation will contribute twenty percent of this amount. It has already passed a resolution agreeing to provide its share.
The remaining funds will come in phased instalments throughout the project period. Authorities have slated the entire project for completion by the year 2028. The initiative aims to set new benchmarks in urban cleanliness, environmental sustainability, and modern technology adoption.
Current Challenges and TCS Assessment
Tata Consultancy Services conducted a detailed assessment of Belagavi's sanitation infrastructure. The company submitted a comprehensive report which forms the basis of the current proposal. The report projects daily waste generation to reach around 371 tonnes in coming years, based on the city's current population of 6.6 lakh.
The TCS report highlighted several shortcomings in the existing waste management system. About ninety percent of waste currently undergoes segregation. However, the RFID-based Ghantagadi collection system does not function effectively.
Mixed waste often faces rejection at processing points. Local transport stations remain inadequate for the city's needs. Workers frequently store and segregate waste in open spaces, creating unsanitary conditions.
Road cleanliness continues below expected standards across many areas. The safety of sanitation workers has received little attention in current operations. The system lacks a dedicated mechanism for handling construction and demolition waste.
On a positive note, dry waste management has shown some improvement recently according to the assessment.
Comprehensive Proposed Solutions
The proposed plan introduces a three-way segregation system. Waste will separate into dry, wet, and sanitary categories. The city will deploy separate vehicles for dry waste collection on an alternate-day basis.
Infrastructure development forms a crucial part of the proposal. Authorities plan to construct four new transport stations. These facilities will include storage capacity for dry waste lasting up to eight days.
The plan includes supplying recyclable waste to cement factories for productive use. A dedicated system will finally address construction waste management. Implementation of the Green Protocol app will modernize monitoring processes.
Additional components involve establishing Reduce, Reuse, Recycle centres throughout the city. Belagavi will adopt a plastic ban modelled on Tirupati's successful implementation. The strategy combines incentives and penalties to improve public compliance with waste management rules.
Workforce and Equipment Enhancements
The proposal includes comprehensive training programs for sanitation workers. It calls for setting up primary collection centres across neighbourhoods. Equipment procurement forms another significant component.
The city plans to acquire forty auto-tippers for efficient waste transport. Robotic sweeping machines will handle street cleaning in certain areas. Specialized tree-cutting machines will manage horticultural waste separately.
An allocation of Rs 14 crore specifically targets transport station development. The plan introduces ten capsule vehicles for specialized waste collection. Weighing bridges will measure waste quantities accurately.
CCTV surveillance systems will monitor waste management operations. All waste transport vehicles will undergo geo-tagging for real-time tracking.
Leadership Confidence and Implementation Timeline
Kavita Warangal serves as managing director of Belagavi Smart City Limited. She expressed strong confidence in the project's smooth execution following the corporation's financial commitment.
"Earlier uncertainty surrounded the project due to delays in the city corporation's contribution," Warangal stated. "Now that the corporation has agreed to provide its share, related processes will begin immediately."
She emphasized that this initiative would significantly transform Belagavi's waste management landscape. The project represents a major step toward sustainable urban development under the national Smart Cities mission.
