The New Indian Express 15.08.2009
Corp to get Rs 80 cr for waste management
KOCHI: In an attempt to save the face of Kochi Corporation which failed to implement many of the projects designed under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) due to financial constraints, the State Government has decided to grant Rs 80 crore for acquiring land for the augmentation of Brahmapuram Solid Waste Treatment Plant. Once the land acquisition is completed, the Kochi Corporation will be able to upgrade the Brahmapuram plant to cater to the demands of the evergrowing city.
Speaking at a press conference in Kochi on Friday, Mayor Mercy Williams said that the Corporation had already submitted a plan to set up an e-waste and plastic waste treatment plant at the Brahmapuram plant. “We appraised Minister for Local Self Government Paloli Mohammedkutty of the problems faced by us in implementing various projects under the JNNURM, including the waste management projects. And the Minister, in consultation with Finance Minister Thomas Isaac, decided to allot Rs 80 crore for acquiring 45 acres of land adjacent to the 63 acres of land where the existing plant is located,’’ the Mayor said. Implementation of many of the projects under the JNNURM had to be set aside as there were no provision under the scheme for allotting funds for land acquisition.
“Now there will be 108 acres of land at Brahmapuram for setting up various projects for waste treatment. The 45-acres will be in the government’s possession and leased out to the Corporation. With this we will be able to ensure a comprehensive waste management project for the city,’’ she said.
