Start-up MRMPL conceived garbage processing unit at Uppinangady becomes pilot project brings revenue
By Robert DCosta
Bellevision Media Network
Mangaluru, 12 Apr 2021: Mangala Resource Management Private Limited (MRMPL), newly-launched start-up, mentored by Ramakrishna mutt, Mangaluru organized half-day symposium on Municipal Solid Waste – Challenges, Solutions and Future Directions, here on Saturday, April 10.
Davanagere mayor S T Veeresh, Mangaluru mayor Premanand Shetty, Mangaluru municipal health committee chairman Sandeep Garodi were the chief guests of the occasion.
Swami Prakashananda, president of Ramakrishna mutt, Ranebennur, Haveri district, Karnataka and Swami Ekagamyananda of Ramakrishna mutt, Mangaluru were present at the dais.
Mangaluru municipal opposition leader Vinay Raj, Prakash Shetty, PDO of Ujire, Beltangady taluk, Uday Kumar Shetty, president of Vandse gram panchayat in Udupi district, many corporators of Devanagere were also present.
In his preliminary address, the former Karnataka MLC retired Captain Ganesh Karnik said that PM Modi’s clarion call in November 2014 for Swacch Bharat was implemented in February 2015 meticulously in Mangaluru by Swami Ekagamyananda of Ramakrishna mutt, Mangaluru through Swacch Mangaluru Abhiyan that was lauded by national leaders and educationists, environmentalists. He said, ‘Less than 1 percent that form human beings in the entire world are wreaking havoc on environment. Its owing to extreme greed and ego that man can conquer the world. In the past, nature was the cradle for culture that has been threatened owing to urbanization, mindless deforestation, mining over exploitation of bountiful natural resources,’ said Captain Karnik.
‘Waste is not a problem while its management is a herculean task. The peoples movement that was embarked upon by spiritual leader like Swami Ekagamyananda has a mass appeal that involved all likeminded people from all walks of life, disregarding faith for nearly 6 years in making Mangaluru Clean/Green Mangaluru,’ said Captain Karnik.
The dignitaries in the dais collectively including Swami Prakashananda and Swami Ekagamyananda inaugurated the programme.
In his keynote address, Swami Ekagamyananda said, ‘Solid waste management is a small problem that was blown into a major issue. If every household manages its waste sensibly, it would not become a bigger problem. People opt for machineries that are suited for developed nations with different geographic needs which are disastrous in India,’ Swami said. He cited many instances wherein such machineries have become redundant and waste of investment.
He explained the pilot project that was implemented in Uppinangady gram panchayat at the limits of newly-formed Kadaba taluk with 1,000 households and nearly 1,000 shops and eateries. The garbage processing unit set up by start-up MRMPL handles nearly 1.5 tons of both solid and wet waste daily employing 8 persons, electric 3-wheeler; turning the waste into superior grade manure earning nearly Rs 4 lac and forecasts to increase up to Rs 7 lac in a year. Its success is equivalent of handling waste of 1 municipal ward. Likewise, the entire city’s waste can be managed scientifically and 100 acres of landfill in Pacchanady dumping yard that is disastrous to farmlands and inhabitants living nearby would be turned into lush landscape in a few years, Swami explained.
The panel discussions were held with resource persons present.
The resource person Sachin Shetty demonstrated 3-layers of pot composting that transforms the wet waste into high-grade manure which can be set up in apartments or any households without any foul smell.
Ranjan explained the flagship initiative Swacch Mangaluru and Swacch Manassu launched by Swami Ekagamyananda and experimental lab that was effectively tested in Uppinangady gram panchayat. He said that it would lead to Atma Nirbhar when one takes garbage handling as worship zero waste concept.
The Mangaluru mayor Premananda Shetty and Davanagere mayor expressed eagerness in signing a MoU on sharing expertise of MRMPL in handling garbage sensibly as they are inspired by Swami Ekagamyananda’s noble cause.
Ujire PDO Prakash Shetty shared success of garbage management at his posting in Laila gram panchayat and Ujire at the limits of Beltangady gram panchayat that has earned him both national and Karnataka state awards. He explained ground zero working in garbage management to get insight into the issue and PPTs will have a little impact on the minds of people.
The ardent young environmentalist Arjun Mascarenhas who sacrificed cushy job in UAE to be fully involved in garbage management explained the environmental disaster thro’ PPT presentation at Pacchanady landfill and its bearing on farmlands and people living there. He cited how the trash collected from just 10 households in a few weeks can get Rs 10,000 from scrap dealer.
Sandeep Garodi, chairman of Mangaluru municipal health committee assured to support the initiative of Swacch Mangaluru Andolan launched by Ramakrishna mutt.
Prof Vishnu Sharma explained on plastic recycling as one cannot get rid of plastic altogether since it has become essential to carry things.
Manjula, DK zilla panchayat Swacch Bharat mission co-ordinator who has been working over 4 years in this field explained how they transformed the garbage into Atmamrut – manure that is in great demand by the farmers that gets them higher yield of their crops.
Suddi TV live streamed the entire programme from the venue.
The Swacch Mangaluru activists and environment-friendly people were present through the event.
Swami Ekagamyananda proposed vote of thanks.
The magician Ganesh Kudroli entertained the gathering with many magical tricks and mind reading methods.
MRMPL executive director Ranjan Bellampady rendered the prayers to begin the event. MRMPL managing director Dilraj Alva welcomed the gathering. Swami Ekagamyanand delivered the vote of thanks. Smita Shenoy compered the programme.