KOCHI: At a time when the LDF Government’s popularity has hit an all-time low, thanks to the recent controversies dogging the alliance’s ministers, the CPM councillors in the Kochi Corporation are not helping to improve matters.The latest controversy comes in the wake of the difference of opinion between CPM leaders in the corporation and the state leadership over the implementation of the Rs 295-crore waste-to-energy treatment project.
The city corporation decided to go ahead with the project after the in-principle nod by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Even Local Self Governments Minister K T Jaleel in a meeting the other day directed Mayor Soumini Jain to go ahead with the project after the scientific adviser to the Chief Minister handed over a positive report on the plant.
The project also received a shot in the arm with V-Guard Group chairman Kochouseph Chittilappilly offering to invest Rs 10 crore in the Rs 295-crore project.
However, the CPM, the opposition party in the corporation, is playing spoilsport citing environmental impact among others as reasons for opposing the implementation of the project.
“We are not against bringing any centralised project to the city. But while bringing out such a project, a detailed study report has to be submitted. If the LDF Government is said to have received a positive report from experts, it should be brought before the public as many people are concerned about the impact of the proposed project. The CPM district leadership too, is of the same opinion. There is even a Supreme Court order not to burn wastes. This project contradicts the verdict passed in 2000,” said opposition leader, corporation, K J Antony who also attended a meeting convened by Jaleel along with the Mayor the other day and raised protests against the project.
He said the technology mentioned in the project was yet to be proven successful in the country.
Another CPM leader said, “As per the agreement with the company, the Corporation has to ensure 300 tonnes of garbage per day. Failing this, the local body will be fined. Also, the KSEB and Corporation have reached no agreement on purchasing electricity for a hefty `15 per unit. The project was launched during the UDF Government’s tenure and that too without conducting any scientific study.”
“Before implementing the project, people’s concerns should be cleared. The involvement of the district panchayat and the district administration should also be ensured,” he said.
The plant will process 500 tonnes of wastes daily. KITCO has been entrusted with the task of preparing a feasibility report on the new plant.
Mayor Soumini Jain said the difference of opinion among CPM leaders was delaying the launch of the project. “The UDF Government gave the green signal to the project after three years of discussion. The leaders’ lack of knowledge regarding the project is one of the primary reasons behind its delay. Why are they still opposing the project when the LDF Government gave its positive feedback?” wondered Jain.