Over 50% of offices at the district headquarters switch to biopot composting
Soon, all offices at the district collectorate at Kakkanad will treat food waste generated at source itself.
In an effort to adopt the green protocol and emerge as a model institution for the best practices in waste management, the collectorate will cloak 100% compliance in treating food waste generated in each office or department by next year.
More than 50% of the over 55 offices at the district headquarters have now switched to the biopot composting method for treatment of biodegradable waste.
“The decision to set up biopots for treatment of biodegradable waste forms part of the government directive that all institutions under it should go the green way by adopting the best practices in waste management,” said Sujith Karun, district co-ordinator, Haritha Keralam Mission.
Some of the offices that have set up biopots for food waste processing are those of the Deputy Collector, Kochi metro; Deputy Director (Diary); Deputy Director of Education; District Development Officer for Scheduled Caste; District Labour Officer; District Soil Conservation Officer, District Treasury Officer; District Planning Officer, and Irrigation Division.
Farming
Mr. Karun said the manure generated through the biopot method was being used at the collectorate for farming and other agri-activities. Officials of each department are imparted training in using the system effectively. An agency has been entrusted with the task of training the officials, especially in the initial stages of setting up biopots, he added.
Government institutions have been told to promote backyard organic cultivation of vegetables as part of the project. Manure generated through bio-composting can be used in vegetable gardens near each building.
According to government guidelines, non-biodegradable materials generated should be stored temporarily at the offices or at storage spaces in the buildings. Office representatives have to tie up with local bodies or agencies that collect non-biodegradable materials for shifting them to the material recovery facility every two months.
The green protocol will be extended to the offices of all local bodies in the district in a phased manner.
The offices should ensure energy-efficiency by making necessary alterations in the buildings and using energy-efficient fittings.
he staff will be told to make optimal use of wind and daylight and adopt other environment-friendly measures.
The participating departments and agencies also will have to save on electricity and water bills. Besides, campaigns should be organised to stop wastage of water and electricity. Employees will be urged to participate in tree planting initiatives, and their co-operation will be sought to ensure that offices stick to the green protocol.