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- based on an update given in the AVNews, April 2002
This is to update all Aurovilians on the latest
developments in the Auroville Eco-Service:
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In response to the suggestions made last year
by two visiting SWM (solid waste management) consultants from Australia,
an Auroville SWM group was formed comprising various Aurovilians active
in the field. From January 2002 onwards Pratul joined as a coordinator
of the activities; his office is at CSR.
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During January 2002 Pratul visited many
Auroville communities and assessed the ongoing waste collection service.
Barrels for storage were purchased; advice was given as regards
separation of organic and compostible waste, separate disposal of items
of personal hygiene, separation of 'sharps' etc. Some improvements were
made as regards regularity of collection service and standardisation of
size of the waste bags.
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In February, the waste storage facility near
the Verite settlement was cleaned, residual waste for landfilling was
baled and taken away, and a new order for sorting and storing was installed in
the storage facility. Gate, locks etc. are getting repaired and
upgraded.
The residual waste was landfilled at the site near
Cheese Farm, and the waste was covered with soil. This landfill will
serve Auroville for another few months only.
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An Auroville plot of land was identified for
the creation of a new landfill with a capacity for several years. This
plot is unutilised wasteland located between AuroAnnam Farm and Banyan
Nursery. The next step will be the drafting of a project proposal (for fundraising) for the infrastructure of this landfill site, and for
other improvements in the general infrastructure, equipment and services
of AV SWM.
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In March improvements of the waste storage
shed near Cheese Farm have been made and are ongoing. Unfortunately,
some steps of improvement at the landfill have already been un-done, due
to lack of understanding and information to known and unknown users.
Please pass on your observations and collaborate.
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On Saturday 13th April, in conjunction with
the inauguration of the Kuilapalayam Cultural Centre, the Kuilapalayam /
Laxmipuram / Auroville Solid Waste Management Program was launched.
Funding for this venture has very kindly come from our local State Bank
of India. This programme is an extension of the Auroville Eco-Service.
The programme will do a door-to-door collection of all solid waste each
day from 300 householders in Kuilapalayam / Laxmipuram. After one month
free trial of the service there will be charge of Rs. 10 a month.
Free dustbins, a red one for organic waste and a
green one for everything else, are given to the householders after they have seen a
slide show explaining why we are offering this service and how the waste
will be handled afterwards, showing the recycling and composting
techniques that will be used.
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The SWM Group has taken over a service with a
sustainable budget as regards bare running expenses, but with investment
debts. Funds for further improvement are urgently required, and your
donations to our acc. 0520 are most welcome. Constructive feedback is
also welcome, and your collaboration is appreciated.
Pratul (coordinator)
for SWM Group / Eco-Service
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