The primary objective of Solid Waste Management (SVM) systems project in rural areas of Tamil Nadu, is to make the villages cleaner and greener. Till 2015, there was no established universal model for implementation of SWM in rural areas. The untreated waste and garbage dump yards were becoming a breeding ground for vector borne diseases. In order to overcome these challenges, the Govt. of Tamil Nadu decided to provide basic minimum _ infrastructure facilities in villages, which are cost-effective and necessary for safe collection and disposal of waste. For this purpose, Rs.110 crore were allocated for implementation in 2,000 Village Panchayats (VPs) during 2015. Village Panchayat is the nodal unit for planning and implementation of this project. To overcome manpower issues, MGNREGS workers were engaged as Thooimai Kaavalars (TK)/(Protectors of Environment Clean Guards) at the rate of one worker per 150 households. They are involved in door to door collection, segregation and transportation of waste to dumping site. TKs are provided with Uniforms and _ tricycles/push-carts. In order to maintain clean and tidy streets, garbage collection bins are provided in the street junctions prone for garbage dumping... Read More