Kochi: The callous approach of the Kochi Corporation towards resolving the crisis facing the Brahmapuram solid waste treatment plant following the National Green Tribunal directive might result in its closure. The Corporation, which has been asked by the NGT southern bench to pay fine of Rs. 1 crore in 15 days for non-compliance of its earlier order, has failed to take measures to handle the crisis even as the November 4 deadline for remitting the fine is fast approaching.
Mayor Soumini Jain has claimed to have convened a meeting of civic officials and Corporation counsel on Thursday to decide the future course of action regarding the NGT order but the civic body officials refused to divulge its outcome. The cash-strapped civic body has not initiated any measures to raise the funds to pay the fine, it is learnt.
The mayor had earlier said the Corporation will seek legal opinion and file an appeal in the Supreme Court against the NGT directive.
According to Harish Vasudevan, who has been handling green cases, non-compliance of the NGT order will amount to contempt of court and the Tribunal even can instruct for a temporary closure of the plant until the review petition is heard by the apex court.
"However, the civic body can approach the Supreme Court even after not paying the fine urging to revoke the Tribunal order. If the SC revokes order, the local body can escape paying the fine," he added.
As per the NGT south bench order dated October 20, the civic body also has to realise the waste to energy plant within six months and deposit performance guarantee of Rs 3 crore with state PCB.
Meanwhile, the Opposition members in the council alleged that despite the serious crisis situation, the ruling council is taking lackadaisical approach. "We have submitted a notice to the mayor urging her to convene a special council session to discuss the NGT order but she has not responded. The ruling bench can't take a unilateral decision regarding payment of fine as a mandatory approval of the council is required," said V.P Chandran, CPM member in the council.
