Irregularities in Corporation's food waste management contract

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There is an allegation running about irregularity in the contract given for the collection of food waste from city establishments. The contract worked on favouritism and was allowed to pig farms. The contract was cancelled months ago after irregularities were found in the tender. Tender processes for 91 wards are currently underway.

Palayam, Chala, Thampanoor, Fort and Vanchiyur parts have the highest number of institutions within the city limits. An annual waste trade of 10-15 lakh rupees takes place in these regions. However, the quota for the collection contract in the corporation is between Rs 2-3 lakhs.

The agencies are thus diverting away the lakhs that should have reached the corporation's coffers. Six pig farms belonging to a close relative of a senior CPM leader in the city have been allotted tender quotas in major wards at a low price. Under the pressure of the governing body, the officials are also abetting the irregularity.

38 farms operating without the permission of the Pollution Control Board and local body secretary are preparing to issue tenders for food waste collection. 14 of these are in Tamil Nadu. The government of Tamil Nadu has imposed a temporary ban on the transportation of waste to Tamil Nadu.