No takers for leaf shredders

BANGALORE: Leaf fall is a very common phenomenon during the autumn season but in the tropics, it occurs in the spring.One can see the streets, pavements and main roads littered with Mother Nature’s bounty — The dead leaves. The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which had planned to collect and convert these dead leaves into compost, has received a major setback as nobody has shown an iota of interest in applying for the tenders for its collection and shredding.This is unlike other works where contractors stand in queues to participate in the various tenders called by the civic agency. But, what is more shocking is that the BBMP has not received even a single tender application invited for ‘Mobile Leaf Shredder’. These simple, compact machines can chop dry leaves into very small pieces which makes it easier to use it and create compost as the process is faster.Dr Meenakshi Bharth, a social worker who has her own leaf shredder told City Express, “Shredding reduces the volume of the leaves and helps the decomposition process. This is a simple and affordable machine worth about Rs 2-3 lakhs which the BBMP can buy.Even apartments and other building associations can pool in money to buy this equipment and convert the dry leaves into manure rather burn it to ashes.” Even the former BBMP Commissioner, Siddaiah, had directed the Horticulture Department officials to use compost made from leaf litter to stop procurement of manure.This is the second time the BBMP has not received any single application for the tender. The earlier tender invited some three months back had no response.As the Palike had no participants, the tender was called again and the last date to participate in the tender expired on March 14.When City Express spoke to R Anjanappa, chairman, BBMP standing committee for horticulture, he said that the issue will be taken up in the next meeting.A senior BBMP official who wished anonymity, told City Express, “Lack of awareness about the leaf shredder among the contractors is one of the main reasons for this non-show.The contractor has to buy the equipment from Pondicherry. All management cost will be borne by the BBMP itself.” The officials are now planning to approach the companies for a ‘negotiated tender’.Also, the mobile leaf shredder will go round the city and demonstrate its utility in shredding leaves. The leaves will, in turn, be sent to about 1,300 parks under the BBMP, where it will be converted to compost within 30 days. Once the compost is ready, it can be used as manure in the parks, he added.