Visit to Material Collection Facility (MCF), Ward No. 20, Lalam, Pala Municipality at Alphonsa College Pala
The Material Collection Facility (MCF) in Ward No. 20, Lalam, Pala Municipality, Kottayam District, was established as part of an initiative to manage non-biodegradable waste effectively. The facility operates under the management of Clean Kerala Company Ltd. (CKCL) and serves as a hub for collecting, weighing, and handover the non-bio waste generated in the ward. The involvement of CKCL ensures a professional and structured approach to waste management. The facility has a building for collecting and storing wastes. It has an area of 860 sqft and sheet as its roof. The unit has facility for weighing waste and administrative space for recording and reporting data. Members of Haritha Karma Sena, are responsible for waste collection and management. The waste is weighed to quantify the collection accurately. Data is recorded and used for generating reports on the waste management performance. Non-bio waste is collected from households, institutions, and public spaces across the ward and are brought to the MCF. CKCL facilitates the transportation of collected waste to authorized recycling centers for final processing.
Equipped with a plastic shredding machine, which remains unused due to the absence of a Resource Recovery Facility (RRF). Contains a water tank and soil embankments as fire safety measures. The unit has four fire extinguishers available. Members of Haritha Karma Sena (waste management team) are trained in using fire safety equipment. But it don’t have facility for waste segregation or baling. Limited infrastructure for processing non-biodegradable waste effectively. Lack of a baling machine and non-utilization of the shredding machine reduces processing capacity.
The use of the Harithamithram application for reporting and maintaining an inward-outward register, overseen by the Health Inspector, ensures systematic record-keeping. The facility is well-maintained, with no waste spread around the unit, and the collection and transfer of waste to processing centers are carried out efficiently.
However, the unit faces critical limitations, including:
Lack of space for segregation of waste.
Absence of essential facilities like a baling machine, Resource Recovery Facility (RRF), restrooms, or a dining area for Haritha Karma Sena members.
Despite these constraints, the provision of a toilet, fire safety measures, and a vehicle passage system highlights the facility's attention to operational and safety needs. The visit provided valuable insights into:
The practical application of digital tools like the Harithamithram application for effective waste tracking and reporting.
The challenges of managing non-biodegradable waste without adequate segregation and processing infrastructure.
The dedication of Haritha Karma Sena members in maintaining cleanliness and operational efficiency.
The visit by the Bhoomithrasena Club members highlighted the strengths and limitations of the MCF in Pala Municipality. Addressing the space constraints and upgrading infrastructure for segregation and processing will further enhance the unit’s efficiency and effectiveness in sustainable waste management.
Programme Expenditure
| Sl | Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Travel expense | 2000 |
| 2 | Refreshment | 2000 |
| 3 | Stationary | 1000 |
| Total | 5000 |
Report of the programme Download