A dispute has emerged over the clearance of the proposed ₹ 1,408.66-crore solid waste management project by the municipal corporation’s Finance and Contracts Committee (F&CC), after Congress councillor Gaurav Bhatti questioned whether the tender could be cleared in the absence of two panel members.
“I am firmly opposed to this costly solid waste management tender and my clear position is that this tender should be cancelled. In my view, implementation of this tender may impose an additional financial burden of crores of rupees upon the municipal corporation. The Congress councillor also raised concerns over the impact of the proposed project on workers currently engaged in door-to-door garbage collection. Two members were not present in the meeting, so how can they claim majority?
“Poor and labour families depended on the existing arrangement for their livelihood and that the civic body will not face a long-term financial liability of ₹ 1,408.66 crore under the current system.
The mayor said the tender had secured the required majority and would be placed before the MC House for consideration. Keeping in view the present financial position of the MC, it should also be clearly established from where the funds required for making such a large-scale and long-term payment will be arranged,” Bhatti said. If the agenda is taken to the House I will contest it in court,” Bhatti said.
