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S.Vidya Swaminathan, of C.E.S. Onyx, talks to
www. chennaibest.com on the country's first privatised
solid waste management experiment, implemented in Chennai.
 Why
Chennai?
The Corporation had given a global tender and Onyx
was selected. We started in March 2000.
What is the methodology for the clearing
of garbage?
The technology is all imported from abroad. Each compactor
can handle garbage of nearly 7-8 tonnes. Instead of ten machines
we have a single machine (compactor) that can compact the
waste effectively. The movable bins are cleaned every 15 days
by the sanitation department. At no point will you find the
bin stinking. We empty the bin atleast once in a day. Sometimes
even more often, depending on the amount of garbage collected.
We work even on holidays. Even on Diwali we were working,
because we feel Onyx is doing a service to the community.
What about training? How was it done?
 We
have a separate training department here. Everyone, from the
Loose Litter Collectors (LLC's) to hoka drivers, is
given training . Initially, a resource person from France
(who has nearly 40 years of experience in Onyx), came and
supervised the training here. Now Mr. Joseph and 12
onsite trainers with him are incharge. All the equipment is
new here. We train them to use and handle equipment in the
correct way.We take utmost care of the posture as repeated
bending can adversly affect the backbone. We see to it that
the LLC's do not touch the garbage. They are also humans.
We train them about collecting and disposing the waste in
the bin without touching it.
How did you communicate with the public?
It depends on where we go. Usually the local language is
used, but if the area has a sizeable educated lot, then they
start speaking to us in English and we answer them in English.
But words like 'compactor' are only in English always .
Did you face any negative reactions
to the project in the beginning?
 No,
not at all. Infact, it was welcomed by everyone. In Chennai,
everyone is interested in keeping the city clean. What was
lacking was an organised effort. Probably that was one of
the reasons why Onyx found easy acceptance. Everyone wanted
a change to come. In Chennai, everyone broadly agrees with
Onyx. Sometimes, we do face problems. You know, habits die-hard.
Waste is not disposed in the bin. It becomes a problem for
us. Notions about carrying the garbage should change. Most
often, people tend to think that carrying garbage is a sin.
This notion should change. After all it is their household
garbage that they are carrying.
How did you help create awareness about
your project?
 Posters
and banners were extensively used in every street much before
the operation actually began. They were intended to inform
the public about cleanliness, hygiene and the timings of our
operation.We worked out themes on cleanliness and hygiene.
We even organised street plays which were humorous . We also
relied on the print and visual media. We used advertisements
extensively. We continue to create awareness. Weekends we
get in touch with the welfare associations of every street.
We keep in touch with the NGO's as well. We initially utilised
the autorickshaws as well.
What about the Mayor's walking campaign
in three zones? In what way has it benefited in creating awareness
about cleanliness and hygiene in Chennai.
Yes! This has helped us a lot. The Mayor walked for 6-7 kms
and distributed pamphlets to the people of zones - Ice
House and Kodambakkam. This has led to an increased
awareness. Campaigns like these make Singara Chennai
a reality.
 What
about the conditions in the dumping grounds? Has it hampered
your operations in anyway?
As far as the Perungudi dumping ground is concerned,
yes, we do face problems. There are two reasons for that.
The roads need improvement. The trucks are huge and get stuck
in the sand. On rainy days it is a real problem. We are in
touch with the Corporation.
What about extensions to other areas
in the city and other cities as well?
 As
far as Chennai is concerned, the decision rests with the Corporation.And
Yes! Other city Corporations are approaching us. We have to
wait and see what happens.
Could you give us some idea as
to the amount of garbage cleared in Chennai.
Approximately 1,000 tonnes of garbage are cleared per day
in Chennai.
Is your experience in India anyway different
from that in other countries?
Anything new is not immediately accepted anywhere. It takes
time.At Onyx we have a tailor-made solution and not a standard
solution. We might have to fine tune ourselves to the requirements.
Public co-operation has been forthcoming right from the beginning.
They have been our strength. In Chennai, people are flexible.
Everyone here is conscious of public health and hygiene. The
public wanted someone to do the job for them. Someone to take
the initiative. The difference is now clear to everyone in
Chennai. And the people are happy about it. Onyx is welcomed
by them. It is not dependent on any particular country. It
depends on the mentality of the people.
 What
about the concept of waste management in Chennai?
More awareness exists now, than before. Earlier the emphasis
was on sweeping the streets. Now it is on collecting the garbage.
It is just the reverse now. People now throw garbage inside
the bin. That's really a nice way to begin.
Tell us about the door-to-door collections.
When will it take off in Chennai?
Given the population of Chennai, it is not possible to collect
garbage from every household. This method of collection is
resorted to only in those areas where the compactors and the
auto rickshaws do not ply.
Toll Free Number for complaints : 1600 334466
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6:04:41 PM 
