Waste compactors at transfer stations now

DEHRADUN: The Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) is planning to set up waste compactors at the Kargi and Dhoran transfer stations in a move aimed at better waste management and in hope of improving sanitation conditions at these sites.

Residents in areas around the transfer stations have often complained of various issues arising from the plant.

"The biggest problem is the foul smell emanating from the mounds of garbage followed by the mess around the station especially during monsoon when garbage mixes with water and sludge is formed all around. Stray animals often find a way into the waste and scatter it. Crossing the station is a challenge. Hundreds of families are affected. It is a huge sanitation issue," said Manish Bhadoria, a departmental store owner near Kargi chowk.

Officials believe that a closed compactor machine will address several of these issues. "Complaints of the locals about accumulated garbage would be resolved through these compactors. The waste collected from the city would directly be taken to the compactor and the processed, compacted waste would then be taken to the processing plant within a couple of hours in a closed container. It will be a covered set-up which will help reduce air, water pollution and reduce sludge generation during the rains," said chief health officer, Dr Avinash Khanna. Officials said that three units have been proposed for Kargi and two for Dhoran. They will be retrofitted with information devices that will give real time information about the time taken for compaction and transfer.