In a recent revelation, LGRD Minister Tazul Islam disclosed that a staggering 17,000 tons of waste is generated daily across the 12 city corporations in the country. The government is actively addressing this environmental concern through various measures, focusing on waste recycling.
Responding to a query from Awami League MP Morshed Alam in parliament, Minister Tazul highlighted ongoing efforts to explore waste-to-power solutions in city corporations, excluding Barisal and Rajshahi.
Breaking down the waste statistics, Minister Tazul provided a detailed overview. Dhaka South City Corporation contributes 3,213 tons, Dhaka North City Corporation 3,400-3,600 tons, Chittagong City Corporation 2,135 tons, Sylhet City Corporation 375 tons, Barisal City Corporation 500 tons, Khulna City Corporation 1,000 tons, Rajshahi City Corporation 350 tons, Rangpur City Corporation 120 tons, Narayanganj City Corporation 1,000 tons, Comilla City Corporation 210 tons, Gazipur City Corporation 4,000 tons, and Mymensingh City Corporation 500 tons.
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Minister Tazul stated that 39% of the total waste originates from the two city corporations of Dhaka.
To address the issue head-on, the Local Government Division is actively pursuing initiatives for power production from waste, with a particular focus on Dhaka North City Corporation. An incineration plant project, in collaboration with WtE Power Plant North Dhaka Private Ltd and Bangladesh Power Development Board, is underway, financed by China Machinery Engineering Corporation.
Additionally, the minister highlighted ongoing scrutiny of six proposals for power production from the waste of Dhaka North City Corporation. Thirteen proposals have been submitted to the Power Division for power generation from the waste of Chittagong City Corporation, with progress made in selecting proposals from four companies.
In a move to combat medical waste, an incineration plant has been established in the Chittagong City Corporation area. Furthermore, a memorandum of understanding with Waste Concern aims to set up a medical incineration plant in Narayanganj City Corporation, underlining the government’s commitment to tackling waste management comprehensively.
