Thane civic body mulls converting abattoir waste into energy

THANE: The civic body is working towards ensuring zero waste dumping by abattoirs, fish markets and poultry farms in the city by scientifically processing leftovers from these areas into producing energy or bio-products, officials said.

As per the plan, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) wants to ensure that the nearly 20 tonnes of waste, including meat and bones, generated daily will be used to generate power and bio-products.

The leftovers from these spots will be collected by the TMC and scientifically processed later. Procedures, including bio-methanisation, incineration, anaerobic composting, among others, have been suggested by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).

The TMC will provide adequate infrastructure, including land, water and power free for 10 years to the contractor. The civic body will also provide a minimum of 20 tonnes of waste daily to the contractor who will have to bear the expense of setting up the system.

The revenue earned from sale of these end products will have to be shared with the TMC and the contractor who gives the maximum share to the TMC will bag the project, said officials.

The project, if implemented, will ensure that the waste is scientifically disposed and will also generate revenue without even a single rupee being spent, informed a civic official. Currently, the leftovers are being disposed off at dumping grounds.

"The contractor who will share the maximum revenue generated from the sale of the byproducts with the TMC will be preferred. We have sought approval from the municipal general body following which we will execute the project," informed a senior TMC official.