Staff swamped, BMC wants PSU as consultant for waste mgmt

Mumbai: Amid recurrent criticism over reliance on consultancy firms for supervisory roles, the BMC administration has sought the approval of the civic standing committee to appoint govt-owned PSU RITES as a consultant for the modernisation of five dry waste segregation centres.

Citing a shortage of dedicated manpower to oversee its solid waste management projects, BMC said its existing officers are unable to devote their full time to project planning, tendering, quality control and supervision due to their administrative responsibilities.

Officials from the solid waste management (SWM) department said the consultant, which will be paid about Rs 93 lakh, has the required expertise and has already carried out some work on the project. The proposed project aims to upgrade the centres into material recovery facilities to improve recycling and reduce dependence on landfills.

The consultant’s mandate will include technical evaluation and project preparation, site inspections, preparation of feasibility reports and tender documents, assistance with the tendering process, and technical supervision. Currently, 6,500-7,000 tonnes of solid waste is collected in the city every day.