In order to scientifically process Bangalore city’s municipal solid waste (MSW), the State Government has set up seven compost plants, which are large facilities with required machinery and construction. Kannahalli is the largest one (can handle 500 tonnes per day), located in the outskirts of the city. One of India’s major companies in waste management, IL&FS Environment, is undertaking the operation and maintenance of this plant.

There were issues with the composting facility, as the villagers near the plant complained of bad odour and other problems, and stopped garbage lorries from entering the facility for a few days. A notice was issued by BBMP to IL & FS Environment, on January 29th 2016, warning of action if the rules of Municipal Solid Waste rules -2000 were not complied with.

In a press note post-insepction, the BBMP detailed the steps taken in Kannahalli compost plant to streamline the composting process. Here’s what the press note says:

A team of experts of the Company from Delhi visited and camped in Bangalore since last two week to study the situation and work out scientific solutions for odour control as there is complaint from public.

The salient features / challenges for composting activity in Bangalore were found to be:

• • High humidity, especially during late night to early morning, and
  • Segregated green waste has higher moisture content, aggravating the issue

To address these issues, the variations of humidity, wind speed and temperature in Bangalore were studied during different times of the day and night. Based on these the following steps are being taken by the Company.

• • Dry inoculant is being used after trials conducted in Company’s compost plant in Delhi and at Lingadheeranhalli. Thus, addition of water in the form of liquid inoculant is reduced. The new dry inoculum is giving better results in terms of odour control and leachate formation.
  • Company is contacting an Entomologist, who would study the situation regarding flies and work out the best biological means of minimising fly menace.
  • Weathercocks (instruments that show the direction of the wind) are going to be fixed to give the plant operator effective control on dispersal of odour.
  • Area maps are being put up along with annual wind-rose data to plan activities according to prevalent wind directions.
  • The equipment and machinery are being operated in 3 shifts to finish the existing stock of stabilised composted material and semi-finished stock at a faster rate.
  • The RDF is being sent to cement plants after baling.
  • Emphasis is being put on good housekeeping for which a team of engineers, skilled workers and support staff have been deployed on fast track basis to process the accumulated waste and clear the composting platform.

Joint Commissioner of BBMP and concerned Executive Engineer (SWM) with his expert team of engineers visited the plant on Saturday, 12th March to assess the present situation.  The team checked the  various activities and observed that the company has put in good efforts for running the project and there has been drastic reduction of accumulated MSW and RDF with significant control of odour in and around the Plant.

The Company assured for their consistent performance and further exploring of new scientific solutions for better management.  The Company has also planned to grow herb trees like Amaltas, Neem, Peeple, etc. around the facilities for buffer zone and better environment.  With all whole hearted efforts and support of BBMP, Company has confidence to make this Compost Facility as a Benchmark in the country.

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