Brahmapuram plant repair works: Allegations against tender-related procedures

Kochi: In an apparent strange move, the tender released for repair works at the Brahmapuram waste plant was withdrawn within a day. The tender which was released on Wednesday was withdrawn the very next day. Interstingly, construction materials had arrived at the plant amidst all the confusion. Kochi corporation opposition leader  Antony Kureethara told  Mathrubhumi.com that authorities had plans of swindling money from the project worth  Rs 1.5 crores. 

However, the corporation has claimed that they withdrew the tender upon instructions from the district collector. The governing body said that the quotations were invited on the lines of disaster management rules and for starting the repair works before the onset of the monsoon. 

Post the Brahmapuram fire tragedy, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had instructed the authorities for taking necessary precautions, to prevent poisonous ashes from the plant from flowing into the river. 

Mainly, three projects were discussed for avoiding poisonous ashes from the waste plant from flowing into the Chitrapuzha River. Among these, the first project was sanctioned by the council as well.  It was decided to spread tarpaulin at the site for preventing water from mixing with the ash and going further below the ground. A budget of Rs 60 lakhs was estimated for the project. There was a growing concern that the spreading of tarpaulin may lead to a fire.  But authorities did not bother to spare a thought.

“The unusual move from the corporation is just for minting money and filling the pockets of their close aides,” alleged Antony Kureethara.