Madurai corpn to set up two waste transfer stations

Madurai: The city corporation has received administrative approval to establish two modern waste transfer stations at Kochadai and Thathaneri, with a total budget of ₹18 crore. These facilities aim to streamline garbage transportation, reduce fuel consumption, and ease traffic congestion.The stations, serving as intermediary hubs, will compact municipal solid waste into capsules for efficient transport to the centralised dumpyard in Vellaikal. Each facility is designed to handle up to 200 tonnes per day and features systems for quick unloading and reloading operations, maximising space and efficiency.City engineer Rooban Ponniah said, "The stations will separate organic and inorganic waste, enabling organic waste to be sent to micro composting centres." He added that the initiative would reduce the number of vehicles required for waste transport, with larger vehicles handling bulk loads to save time and fuel. Tenders for the project will be issued this week, and work is expected to begin soon.Currently, micro composting centres are informally used as transfer stations. A senior health official highlighted the inefficiencies of this system, noting that unsegregated waste at the Vellaikal dumpyard remains a challenge. "The new stations, strategically located 10 km from the dumpyard, will optimise waste collection and segregation for all city zones," the official said.Kochadai will primarily handle waste from south of the Vaigai River, while Thathaneri will manage waste from northern areas. With the corporation's expansion and the increasing number of wards, these facilities are expected to save significant time and fuel by acting as centralised collection points. The project also includes purchasing static compactors to compress waste and high-capacity hook loaders to transport it to Vellaikal.Civic activists have lauded the initiative but stressed the importance of maintenance. M Raj Kumar, a civic activist, remarked, "Transfer stations are an excellent solution to waste management, but proper maintenance is critical. Poor upkeep, like in some facilities in Chennai, has caused issues for nearby residents. We hope the Madurai Corporation will prioritise maintenance and address concerns effectively."TRANSFER STATION STATSNumber of Transfer Stations: 2Locations: Thathaneri, KochadaiDistance to Vellaikal Dumpyard:Thathaneri: 11 kmKochadai: 10.5 kmEstimated Cost: ₹18 crore (₹9 crore per station)Station Areas:Thathaneri: 2,560 sq.m.Kochadai: 2,870 sq.m.WASTE GENERATION STATSDaily Waste Generation: Around 900 metric tonnesMicro Composting Centres: 36Waste to Micro Composting Centres: Around 250 tonnes/dayWaste to Vellaikal Dumpyard: Around 600 tonnes/dayWet Waste Generated: Around 400 tonnes/dayMSID:: 117555667 413 |