Kozhikode: Amid opposition protest, the city municipal corporation decided to give another month to controversial Zonta Infratech to complete biomining and capping of waste dumped at Njeliyanparambu. It also slapped a fine of Rs 38.85 lakh for the delay in completing the works.

The company has to complete the work before April 30. UDF council members staged a walkout amidst the council meeting chaired by mayor Beena Philip on Thursday.

A technical committee will oversee the progress of biomining. Plastic waste will be removed from the site.

The corporation entered into a contract with Zonta in December 2019 for biomining and the company has only completed 60 per cent work. Similarly, the company did not care for tiny plastic particles as per norms, the corporation had earlier said.

The contract expired in November 2022. The contract amount was Rs 7 crore. The corporation has already given Rs 3.7 crore. According to reports, 64 per cent of the works have been completed.

Deputy mayor CP Musafar Ahamed said a maximum fine according to the agreement was slapped. If the National Green Tribunal slaps a fine for work delay, the amount will be collected from the company.

Earlier, Kollam Corporation had decided to end the agreement with Zonta for garbage disposal over contract violations.