Compost machines to tackle bio-degradable waste in Delhi

The Delhi government will equip 40 households in Saraswati Vihar in north-west Delhi with compost machines. These units would help in recycling bio-degradable waste.

A trial run of the project was held in Saraswati Vihar on May 30.

The programme is being implemented by Development Alternatives.

Development Alternatives (DA), in association with the state's department of environment, has devised this project to recycle waste within homes to tackle the growing landfills in the national capital.

"The department of environment is planning to support the project if the pilot is a success. Waste management is not just a problem for Delhi, but the whole country," said Mughdh Dawaj Singh, chief supervisor, department of environment.

Singh, who has been monitoring the project, added that the government plans to implement the project in other parts of Delhi if this is successful.

"Almost 50 percent of the waste generated in Delhi is bio-degradable, that can be recycled. One of the ways to reduce the burden of the bio-degradable waste is through home-composting," said Zeenat Niazi, vice-president of DA.

Delhi was termed the most polluted city in the world, according to reports by the World Health Organisation in 2014. The city has also been witnessing land pollution with landfills in areas such as Bhalswa, Ghazipur and Okhla.

"Home-composting can contribute towards zero-waste societies which are fast becoming the norm in the world. They not only make our homes clean and eco-friendly but also keep our streets and cities clean," added Niazi.