SDMC to install shredding machines for dried leaves

NEWDELHI:THE South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has proposed to install leaf shredding machines at all its nurseries by the next fiscal to minimise incidents of burning of dried leaves.

The SDMC generates 35-40 metric tonnes of green waste every day such as leaves, branches left behind after pruning of trees. For the proper disposal of this waste, the SDMC had installed wood chipper machines at its parks last year.

“But these machines can’t chop the dry leaves so we decided to go for mini leaf shredders,” a senior official from SDMC’S horticulture department said.

These machines will shred dry leaves into fine pieces, which can later be used for making compost.

“Our focus will be on utilising dry leaves piled on roadsides. The sanitation staff will bring horticulture waste to neighbouring nurseries on a daily basis. There, we will shred it and with the help of moisture or bacteria, it will be converted into manure within 30 days,” said Shikha Rai, standing committee chairman .

The machines will reduce the volume of green waste to about one-tenth its original volume, the official said. On a pilot basis, eight machines will be installed in GK 1 and 2, Hauz Khas, Saket, Punjabi Bagh, Defence Colony, Tilak Nagar and Khel Gaon. Puneet Goel, SDMC commissioner, said, “The machine at Khel Gaon will be inaugurated on Thursday. ”

In winter, SDMC issues at least 100 fines for causing air pollution every day. Of these, 25 are related burning of garbage and leaves.