On the recommendation of the task force formed by the erstwhile Planning Commission, the central government has decided to cut down the spending on solid waste management by 46 per cent to Rs 20,153 crore from Rs 38,000 crore.
The total expenditure allotted to Swachh Bharat Mission is Rs 62,009 crore.
“We have informed the Cabinet about this change in costs. As per Prof K Kasturirangan committee report the recommended investment is Rs 20,153 crore. So, we will be following this,” said Director of Swachh Bharat Mission, Praveen Prakash in conversation with The Economic Times.
According to an estimate, around 170,000 tonnes of solid waste is generated daily. Only 19 per cent of this waste is treated. After Swachh Bharat Mission started, the capacity of treated waste has increased to 21 per cent.
The ministry has increased Viability Gap Funding (VGP) for solid waste management projects from 20 per cent to 35 per cent now, ignoring the Kasturirangan panel’s recommendation for 40 per cent VGF.
