The Kochi Corporation Council has awarded Pune-based Bhumi Green Energy the contract for biomining operations at the Brahmapuram dumping yard. Despite opposition, primarily from the United Democratic Front (UDF), the decision was supported by BJP councillors. The rate of ₹1,690 per tonne faced scrutiny for being too high, with calls for a retender by the UDF. Mayor M. Anilkumar stressed the urgency of biomining, citing a High Court directive to prevent fires at the site.
Biomining, a vital waste treatment process, must be completed within 16 months, although the UDF proposed extending the tenure to 28 months. Bhumi Green Energy’s selection for the biomining project followed a positive assessment by councillors from the UDF, Left Democratic Front (LDF), and the BJP who visited the company’s Pune facility, according to an official statement.
Before starting biomining, an expert firm will assess the quantity of untreated garbage. Bhumi Green Energy defended its per-tonne rate, highlighting the need to transport refuse-derived fuel (RDF) to firms in northern Indian states. Mayor Anilkumar emphasized the urgency of establishing a power generation plant from the collected garbage.
Notably, no mobilization advance will be granted, and payments will depend on the volume of work completed, overseen by a monitoring committee. Another competing firm had quoted a rate three times higher than the one accepted.
A substantial ₹38.70 crore from the Central grant will be allocated for the biomining project, with the potential for additional funding if the work meets expectations.
