Amid allegations of corruption and protests by the Opposition Congress and BJP councillors, the Kochi Corporation extended the contract with Bhumi Green Energy, the company engaged for biomining of legacy waste at Brahmapuram, till September 30.
Responding to protests by the Opposition, Mayor M. Anilkumar said that it was improper to create a dispute over an issue of common interest to the city, and that the procedures were transparent. The company has requested contract extension citing financial constraints and difficulty in completing biomining within the existing time frame.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) alleged corruption when the issue was considered. The UDF councillors alleged that the volume of waste at Brahmapuram was exaggerated and also cited audit objections and the failure to complete biomining within the agreed time while demanding not to extend the contract.
The Mayor said that 90% of biomining had been completed. The Corporation has made a commendable achievement at Brahmapuram, which is fast emerging as a model for the rest of the country. The UDF was against biomining at Brahmapuram, which was driven by politics, said Mr. Anilkumar.
UDF and BJP councillors had seen the work of Bhumi Green Energy and were convinced. There is no corruption in biomining. The High Court, Ministry of Housing, and the National Environment Research Institute have commended the operations at Brahmapuram. Audit objections have been given proper responses, the Mayor said.
