Quick Summary
- The Kochi Corporation extended Bhumi Green Energy’s contract for biomining legacy waste at Brahmapuram until September 30, amid accusations of corruption and protests by UDF and BJP councillors.
- Mayor M. Anilkumar defended the decision, citing transparency in procedures and financial constraints faced by the company that delayed completion.
- UDF alleged inflated waste figures, audit objections, missed deadlines, and demanded discontinuation of the extension due to suspected corruption.
- The Mayor claimed 90% of biomining was completed with commendable outcomes for Brahmapuram as a national model; he dismissed allegations as politically motivated.
- Official data states over 7.32 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste had been treated out of an estimated total volume exceeding 8.43 lakh tonnes until June 12.
- Biomining operations where initiated on January 15, 2024; non-recyclable refuse-derived fuel (RDF) waste is diverted to cement production.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The extension of Bhumi Green Energy’s contract points to Kerala’s growing focus on sustainable waste management practices but underscores broader governance challenges such as delays in project execution and transparency concerns raised by opposing political factions. While allegations from the opposition regarding discrepancies in estimated volumes and audit irregularities warrant scrutiny for accountability purposes, achievements like treating over seven lakh metric tonnes point toward progress necessitating continuity in efforts rather than abrupt cessation.
Challenges like post-fire damage control at Brahmapuram highlight India’s urgent need to address legacy waste handling using scalable models which ensure timely completion while maintaining trust among stakeholders through clear dialogue regarding audits or project updates shared transparently across civic bodies.
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