Nivas sets up vermicompost plant at his official residence

Setting an example of effectively disposing of the organic or food waste usually generated in the kitchens, the civic chief has established a vermicompost plant in the compound of his official residence and camp office on the M.G. Road.

Promoting the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation’s waste to energy campaign, Municipal Commissioner J. Nivas ordered authorities concerned to bring up the necessary structure for the plant and the garbage collection pit. This takes the number of VMC-run plants to seven.

Though the civic body has set up over 20 plants more than a decade ago, poor maintenance led to their closure.

Six of them have been revived and are also selling the vermicast, the end product, at ₹10 per pack.

Plants in all divisions

“Setting up of these plants is essential for the city. We have plans to establish the plants in all municipal divisions and near the vegetable markets. As part of it, one was set up on the camp office premises so that the kitchen and other vegetable waste collected at the nearest rythu bazaar is dumped here,” the Municipal Commissioner said. Asked about the issue of odour in residential areas, Mr. Nivas said, “Smell comes only when the compost is not properly done.” However, the plant in the garden is a few meters away from the bungalow.

The plant, built at a cost of ₹1 lakh, was recently inaugurated officially.

Revenue

Meanwhile, the VMC has earned above ₹1 lakh by selling the vermicast generated at its plants.