Solid waste: Sidhu in Delhi to find solution

CHANDIGARH: Punjab local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday visited various sewage treatment plants in Delhi, to replicate their technology in Punjab.

In a statement, Sidhu alleged the previous government had befooled the people living in urban areas in the name of establishing solid waste management projects, which remained mere announcements.

The minister, who promised a permanent and foolproof mechanism for solid waste management, saw presentations of various agencies. Besides suggestions on short-term and longterm projects equipped with latest technology, he also gathered knowledge about ultra-modern suction machines to open blocked sewers.

Sidhu said emphasis would be on establishing plants to manufacture green coal (used in cement plants), compost manure and plastic granules as part of short-term projects and biogas and electricity as part of long-term projects. “The initial focus would be on shortterm projects to provide immediate relief to the people,” he said.

The minister said he had instructed the department officials to seek detailed reports regarding the technical knowhow, which would be placed before the chief minister for his final approval. Secretary, local bodies, JM Balamurugan and director Kamal Kishore Yadav also accompanied Sidhu to the national capital.