Ministry help to tackle garbage crisis

Chaminda PERERA

The Environment and Natural Resources Ministry will extend financial and technological assistance to the local Government institutions to put up garbage recycling plants.

Environment and Natural Resources Minister Patali Champaka Ranawaka told the Daily News that the Ministry will provide necessary funds and technology after the respective local government bodies forward project reports and a land free from disputes for such projects.

The Minister said garbage are classified into three categories namely biodegradable, non biodegradable and residue under these recycling project.

The bio-degradable garbage will be converted to compost while the non degradable garbage such as plastic and metal would be sent for the recycling. The residue can be used for the filling of lands in the respective areas, he said.

He said the Ministry has already drawn up separate plans to eliminate the garbage dumps in Kolonnawa, Kalutara, Anuradhapura and Kandy.

“We will launch a mega garbage recycling project in Kalutara with the assistance of the Western Provincial Council and respective local Government bodies.

The Minister said legal action taken by individuals against the local Government bodies over the garbage dumping grounds have worsened the problem in the county.

He said garbage disposal which is entirely handled by the local government authorities has become a problem for some local government authorities due to the action filed by individuals.

“President Mahinda Rajapaksa last month decided to take over the garbage dumping grounds to the Government under the emergency regulation but this move was objected by the Attorney General’s Department,” the Minister said.

He added that local government authorities should make arrangements to ensure that garbage dumping ground is covered by a thin layer of earth after garbage is dumped.