PESHAWAR, Jan 5: The NWFP government has approved a proposal to establish a solid waste recycling plant between Mansehra and Abbottabad to help improve environment in the two cities, Galyat and the surrounding areas.

Officials of the Shell Pakistan tabled the proposal at a presentation given to Chief Secretary Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi here on Tuesday. Dr Tahir Barlas, Shell's corporate health safety and environment adviser, had given the idea to produce organic fertilizer and other materials from the solid waste generated in the targeted areas.

The stakeholders in the plan would share the required Rs15 million, excluding the cost of land, while the Shell would contribute 10 per cent of the cost in terms of technical support and supervision of the project.

The chief secretary also formed a seven-member committee to evolve its financial structure, ensure the stakeholders' contribution and installation and management the plant.

The Abbottabad DCO told the participants that they had acquired 104 Kanals for the plan with 50 per cent contribution from the city cantonment board.

Later, the Shell Pakistan officials called on the provincial minister for local government and rural development, Sardar Mohammad Idrees, at his office and briefed him on the project.