To give an altogether new look to the cities and make Punjab a leading player in solid waste management, the state local Government Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday visited various projects running successfully in the sector.
The Minister also viewed power point presentations on the subject.
Sidhu, who had promised a permanent and fool proof mechanism of solid waste management on assuming charge, said that during past decade, the state’s urban population was befooled in the name of establishing solid waste management projects, but in reality, the people living in urban areas had to live in hell.
He added that the urban population is reeling under multitude of problems including foul smell emanating from sewerage with plastic and building construction materials blocking these.
Overseeing several short-term and long-term projects equipped with latest technology, Sidhu said that ultra-modern super suction machines would be pressed into service to tackle the problem with regard to blockage of sewers which results in stagnant water during rainy season.
Sidhu said that emphasis would be on establishing plants to manufacture green coal used in cement plants, compost manure, plastic granules as part of short term projects, biogas and electricity as part of long-term project.
The initial focus would be on short term projects to provide immediate relief to the people, he added.
laying stress on Punjab being predominantly an agricultural state, Sidhu said that the state’s farming community would be provided with compost manure to spare their lands from the harmful effects of pesticides.
Punjab’s soil is suffering from destructive effects of harmful and toxic pesticides whose viable alternative can be found in the compost and organic manure, he added.
He added that while cleanliness drive would begin in cities within a short span, the proposal to install energy plants encompassing these five spheres would be presented to the Chief Minister so as to fulfill the promise of hygienic environment to the people.
“Keeping in view the tremendous potential of Punjab in unlocking renewable energy sources, no effort would be spared in providing every assistance to those exhibiting interest in establishing plants in these spheres,” he added.
He also divulged that he has instructed the officials of the department to seek detailed reports regarding technical know-how which would be placed before the Chief Minister for his approval.