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New Indian Express
01-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kochi corporation urged to adopt affordable waste management methods
KOCHI: As the Kochi Corporation has taken steps to become waste-free by August this year, the opposition alleged that out of the more than one lakh shops registered in the assessment register of the corporation, only 25,000 have been licensed, and of these, less than 500 establishments are handing over waste to authorised agencies. 'According to corporation records, over one lakh commercial establishments have obtained occupancy certificates to conduct business. These buildings pay a higher building tax than residences. But only less than 25,000 of these have been issued licences this year. Of these, Rebuild Kerala, the authorised agency to collect bulk waste through the MyKochi app, collects waste from less than 500 establishments,' said Antony Kureethara, the leader of opposition. He added that only a small portion of the waste generated in the city is being collected and that waste is being disposed of through illegal means. 'The corporation should take the initiative to provide a cost-effective waste disposal method for shops and establishments. In March, Rs 2.16 crore was spent on waste management. However, the corporation received only Rs 64 lakh out of more than Rs one crore it was supposed to receive from shops for collecting bulk waste,' said M G Aristottil, the UDF parliamentary party secretary. He extended full support of the UDF councillors to make the city waste-free through proper planning and action plans.
New Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Opposition alleges lapses in Kochi corporation's pre-monsoon cleaning drive
KOCHI: Highlighting the non-removal of debris taken out from canals and drains in the city, the opposition councillors of the Kochi corporation on Wednesday alleged that the fund for the pre-monsoon cleaning activities was being squandered as a result. 'Removal of mud and waste from canals is progressing as part of the pre-monsoon activities. Though just a few days are left for the monsoon, the work is only partially complete. The corporation is supposed to pay Rs 2.86 crore to the Cochin Smart Mission Limited to carry out desilting activities. Yet, the authorities are unaware of the status of the work,' said Antony Kureethara, leader of the opposition in the corporation. M G Aristottil, UDF parliamentary party secretary, said the payment is made depending on the hours of work done. 'However, the removed mud and waste are being dumped at the side of the canals. The corporation should provide a vehicle to transport the mud and dump it scientifically,' he said.
