Mayor responsible for PCB fine: Oppn

Kochi: The huge fine of Rs.10.05 crore slapped by the State Pollution Control Board for poor maintenanceof the Brahmapuram solid waste treatment plant will be an additional burden for the cash-strapped Kochi Corporation. The PCB slapped the fine for non-compliance of Solid Waste Management Rules - 2016. 

The PCB after inspecting the plant observed that the civic body has failed in taking measures to improve the functioning of the plant. Earlier in 2018, the l also had imposed fine of Rs.1 crore on the Corporation for non-compliance of norms at Brahmapuram.

"It is due to the inefficiency of the Mayor that the civic body has to bear such huge financial burden. The plant has been functioning without the approval of the PCB and if the Board orders closure of the facility, the entire city and suburbs will be piled up with garbage," said K.J. Antony, opposition leader in the council.

The opposition alleged that the mayor is not taking follow-up measures on the recommendations of the CPM-led health standing committee to improve functioning of the plant. "The health committee has made several interventions after the visit of the NGT delegation in January this year. Though Kochi Metro Rail Limited expressed interest in procuring piled up waste from the plant for its garden project in medians, the proposal is still pending with the technical committee chaired by the mayor," added Mr Antony.

Though the health committee had approved the tendering for setting up material recovery facility at various places as per the NGT direction, it is yet to be initiated, he alleged.