Local Self-Govt Department Forms Subcommittee to Regulate Pig Farms & Food Waste Management

The Local Self-Government Department has taken a proactive step towards addressing concerns related to pig farms and their role in waste management by establishing a subcommittee tasked with studying and providing recommendations on the licensing of pig farms. As pig farms increasingly become destinations for the disposal of food waste from urban areas, the department aims to bring all pig farmers under a comprehensive system of registration and licensing.

The subcommittee's primary focus is to assess the criteria for licensing pig farms and establish guidelines for effective waste management practices within these farms. Licensing considerations will include factors such as setback distances and the permissible number of animals based on the size and geographical location of the land. Additionally, there is deliberation about categorizing pig farms separately, potentially removing them from the industry category.

Given the significant role that pig farms, particularly those situated in close proximity to urban centers, play in waste management, the subcommittee will develop specific guidelines for the transportation and handling of food waste. A pivotal aspect of this effort is to ensure that food waste is collected in airtight containers, and covered vehicles are not employed for transportation purposes. Moreover, the subcommittee will delve into methodologies for the scientific management of food waste and leachate at pig farms.

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One example highlighting the necessity for improved regulations is the situation in Thiruvananthapuram city Corporation. Several pig farms located in neighboring panchayats were involved in collecting waste, but the insufficient waste processing facilities caused inconvenience for local residents. In 2019, the Pollution Control Board (PCB) issued a directive to cease the transport of food waste to pig farms located on the outskirts of the district, citing violations of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

Addressing this issue, the Corporation had previously collaborated with 19 agencies to manage biodegradable waste. However, only 14 of these agencies remain engaged in the process currently. To rectify the situation, the Corporation now requires agencies to possess certification from the PCB and clearance from the respective panchayat where the waste management facility is situated.

The establishment of this subcommittee signifies the commitment of the Local Self-Government Department to address waste management concerns, enhance the regulation of pig farms, and promote sustainable practices in the context of pig farming and waste disposal. As the subcommittee's recommendations take shape, they are poised to bring about positive changes in waste management practices, benefiting both the environment and local communities.

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