VACB unearths widespread irregularities linked to waste management in Kochi Corp

Kochi: Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, Kerala (VACB), has unearthed massive misappropriation of funds in relation to managing degradable and biodegradable wastes in Kochi Municipal Corporation. 

According to VACB officials, the officials of the Corporation's health unit siphoned off a considerable portion of the payment received to the Corporation. It is said that only a small portion of the sum reached the Corporation's account. 

The vigilance unit conducted a preliminary inquiry and compiled a report on the basis of a complaint received from Ravipuram native Sethu Janardhanan Pillai. In the report, VACB recommended action against Health Inspector C. Prasannan and Junior Health Inspector P.S. Shanu. Furthermore, Vigilance calls for a department-level inquiry against Junior Health Inspectors V.S. Dhanya and L. Dhanya for failing to take action despite learning of the fund embezzlement.

According to VACB, the accused health officials fined a business establishment Rs 25,000 for dumping degradable waste in public areas. However, the Corporation records show that the Corporation received only Rs 5010 in fines. 

VACB had also unearthed similar frauds linked to the officials. The report also calls for a special audit to ascertain the loss suffered by the Corporation and uncover the involvement of other officials.