Fighting against POLLUTION to Save Environment

Contributions in MSW Management

Contributions of Dr. D.B. Boralkar in the field of Municipal Solid Waste Management
  1. Immediately after taking over the reins of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board as its Member Secretary (CEO) in November 2003, created a focussed "Solid Waste Management Cell." Adopted the approach of rewards for good performance. Within a short period number of Authorisations issued to local bodies increased from 32% to 98 % Civil W.P. No. 888 of 1996. Authorisation was granted to local bodies after ensuring that they have an Action Plan for management of municipal solid waste (MSW) and have identified site for disposal of MSW. The Supreme Court appreciated the efforts of MPCB in its order dated 4.10.2004 in the matter of WP [C] No. 888 of 1996 regarding management of MSW.

  2. Model Tender Documents: Management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is one of the most basic obligatory functions of the Urban Local Bodies. It was imperative to undertake giant steps in the direction of MSW as per regulations so as to ensure a robust civic life for all in Maharashtra. MPCB identified the need to have a common approach to MSW management across the state. There is need to optimally utilize scarce resources that are available with ULBs and channelize the same for constructively tackling the problem of MSW management. MPCB then decided to evolve a model contractual framework by leveraging upon the best practices in the sector. This was undertaken specifically to plug the expertise shortfall at the grass root ULB levels due to which implementation of initiatives was being conceived to be extremely difficult.
    Model tender documents were developed that can be readily utilized by the ULBs to cater to their respective specific needs. This being the only kind of such initiative, it had to incorporate the ground level realities and would have to cater to the practicality of the situations in terms of expertise availability, resource scarcity and lack of awareness. These tender documents prepared in March, 2005 are available on website: www.mpcb.gov.in.

  3. Demonstration Project: Five municipalities in the State of Maharashtra falling in "C" Class were provided technical and financial assistance by MPCB for setting up of facilities for segregation, treatment and disposal of MSW up to the capacity of less than 50 metric tons per day.This included "in vessel composting", recycling and secured landfill for inert materials.

  4. Technical Consultancy to Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC): As Project Management Consultant (PMC) to the AMC, we provided services for management of MSW which included inviting bids, evaluation of bids and recommendation of most competent bidder to the AMC. It was for the first time that MPCB provided such technical assistance and services to the urban local body.

  5. Guidelines for Citizens for management of Solid Wastes : Municipal solid waste (which includes household garbage and wastes from commercial complexes, institutions and hospitals and waste from construction and demolition activities) can be a serious hazard to human health and environment, if it is not handled, treated and disposed of in a proper way. People's participation and action is essential for effective management of such wastes. These guidelines have been prepared (in October, 2005) as a part of our mass awareness campaign for management of municipal solid waste.

  6. Contributed as Member of Special Committee of 3 experts appointed in November, 2005 by the Maharashtra State Government for considering the State as Plastic Bag Free Area. The report of the expert committee was accepted by the State Government and it formed the basis for promulgation of State Legislation entitled Maharashtra Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 2006 and "Maharashtra Plastic Carry Bags (Manufacture & Usages) Rules, 2006.

  7. As Member Secretary of MPCB actively encouraged Ichalkaranji Municipality in Kolhapur District (Maharashtra) to involve private sector for setting up of a facility for management of MSW. The facility included segregation of wastes, composting of organic matter, recycling of recyclables, preparation of refuse derived fuel (RDF) using wastes having calorific value, use of RDF for power generation (depending upon availability) and provision of secured landfill for inert materials. Revenue model considered sale of organic manure, recyclable glass and metallic wastes and power generated from use of RDF as fuel. When power generation becomes feasible, revenue sharing with local body could be possible.

  8. In December, 2001, visited M/s INDAVER NV: European Waste Management Centre, Antwerp, Belgium. This is one of biggest MSW treatment and disposal facility in Europe operated in an environmentally sound manner and electricalpower is generated by incineration of MSW. Ash is disposed at secured landfill nearby.

  9. Environmentally Sound Management Of Municipal Solid Waste In Pune: Policy Issues & Suggested Approach - 2014 – 2017

  10. Dr. Boralkar Presentation W2E_Delhi 21.8.2014

  11. Suggested Approach for Application of Waste to Energy(Mass Burn) for Municipal Solid Waste Management at Pune, 28.10.2014


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