Urban News

Source : The Hindu Date : 16.06.2009

Corporation takes over operation of waste plant

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: The Kochi Corporation has taken over the functioning of its solid waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram. This follows the decision of the Andhra Pradesh Technology Development Corporation (APTDC), which installed the plant, to end its operation there after setting up the plant and running it for one year.

Corporation staff will operate the plant till an agency is selected for running it. The corporation had shortlisted a few agencies for operating it, said Mayor Mercy Williams.

The APTDC has handed over the documents regarding the machinery and other accessories installed at the site.

The final settlement of bills will be made only after the FACT Engineering and Design Organisation, the consultant of the corporation, makes the recommendation in that regard, Ms. Williams said.

Meanwhile, 15 workers who were earlier engaged by the APTDC for operating the plant had expressed their willingness to work in the plant on behalf of the corporation. The corporation will seek the permission of the State government and the Corporation Council for engaging these workers, Ms. Williams said.

Source : The Hindu Date : 16.06.2009

Centre to consider Kochi metro rail project

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: The Union Cabinet will soon consider the proposal for the Kochi Metro railway project, said K.V. Thomas, Union Minister of State for Agriculture.

Speaking at a reception organised by the District Congress Committee for the six newly elected Members of Parliament from the district, Prof. Thomas said a decision favourable to the State would be taken by the Cabinet.

He said the Planning Commission and the State government had different views regarding the mode of implementation of the project. A final decision on the implementation would be taken in consultation with all concerned, he said. At the same time, the State government should take a decision regarding the alignment of the metro railway project, he said.

He said new tender had been floated for the railway overbridge at Edapally, as the existing contractor had failed to complete the work as per schedule. Work on the Pullepady overbridge will be completed on time. Several projects have been proposed for the city under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). However, the works have not progressed at the desired pace, the Minister said.

He said a decision by the Agricultural Ministry to buy the organic manure produced by garbage treatment plants would benefit the State too. The FACT had agreed to buy the manure produced at the Brahmapuram treatment plant of the Kochi Corporation, he said.

He said the Union government would decide on the Kuttanad and Idukki Agriculture Relief Packages within 30 days. The State government, on its part, should explain the practical difficulties in implementing the proposals. The Minister said he would allot Rs. 25 lakh each for all the seven Assembly segments in the Ernakulam Parliament constituency for development projects.