Latest news with #TKAsharaf
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Work on abattoir in Kaloor may begin soon
Kochi: Project to construct a modern abattoir in Kaloor may begin soon as Kochi corporation has given its nod for an enhanced estimate of Rs 20 crore. The cost was Rs 16 crore as per 2023 schedule and it rose to Rs 20 crore due to various reasons, including delay in implementing the project. Corporation council held last week gave approval for the project. Earlier, state govt had given its nod for the escalated cost. Though the project was designed more than a decade ago, Impact Kerala, the agency entrusted with the project four years ago, is yet to begin the work. "Impact Kerala authorities haven't shared many of the details related to the operation of the abattoir with the corporation," said corporation health standing committee chairman T K Asharaf. As the project implementation was getting delayed, corporation authorities had planned to rope in a Kolkata-based firm to construct the abattoir. However, Impact Kerala later informed that the agency will start the project provided govt and corporation approve the revised estimate. It is learned that Impact Kerala has signed an agreement with a private firm to construct the abattoir on a build-operate-transfer model. Condition of the existing abattoir owned by corporation at Kaloor continues to be pathetic. Pollution control board (PCB) ordered closure of the slaughterhouse, citing shortcomings in treating waste and blood generated while culling animals. Then, corporation authorities were forced to close down the facility on Sept 26, 2022. Following corporation's request, PCB granted it nod for operating the slaughterhouse on a temporary basis.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kochi corp trails in e-waste collection as others advance
K ochi: While most local bodies in Ernakulam district have launched systems to procure e-waste from residents by offering payment, Kochi corporation continues to trail behind. Despite having a budget outlay exceeding Rs 1,200 crore, the corporation has informed Clean Kerala Company — the state-designated agency for e-waste collection — that it lacks the funds to buy e-waste from residents, resulting in a stalemate. As a preliminary step, the corporation and Clean Kerala Company held discussions on collecting e-waste from city residents. "Clean Kerala Company insisted that we first release funds to purchase the waste, promising reimbursement later," said T K Asharaf, chairman of the corporation's health standing committee. "Due to a financial crunch, we can't pump in the money. We've proposed that that we would arrange for residents to bring the waste to designated collection points and that the company purchase it directly from them," he added. Another round of discussions is planned to resolve the deadlock. At the same time, other local bodies in the district have already launched e-waste collection schemes using their own funds. Maradu Municipality, for example, has formed a consortium comprising Haritha Karma Sena and municipal representatives. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "If the consortium needs money to buy e-waste, the municipality will step in," said Maradu Municipality chairman Antony Ashanparambil. He also highlighted issues with informal collection. "Scrap dealers often sell only the valuable parts and dump the rest. For instance, when a TV is collected, components like the picture tube, which have no resale value, are discarded improperly. When we purchase e-waste, such issues can be avoided," Ashanparambil added. Meanwhile, the district Haritha Keralam Mission will begin e-waste collection through Haritha Karma Sena and authorised agencies by Aug 15. A review meeting of local body secretaries is scheduled for July 26 to assess training and fast-track the rollout. The programme will start in 13 municipalities and within the corporation limits. Training for Haritha Karma Sena members has already been completed. Residents will be paid based on fixed rates for their e-waste. Collected materials will be stored in material collection facilities (MCFs) before being transported for recycling outside the state. Clean Kerala Company, in partnership with Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Ltd (KEIL), will handle disposal. Hazardous components will be treated at KEIL's facility in Ambalamedu.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kochi corporation to launch centralized CCTV surveillance to prevent garbage dumping
Kochi: Kochi corporation is all set to launch a centralized CCTV surveillance system aimed at preventing garbage dumping in public spaces. Under the project, 148 CCTV cameras, with two in each of the city's 74 divisions, are being installed and will be monitored from a centralized facility at Yathra Auditorium near Marine Drive boat jetty. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The project is being implemented by the corporation in association with a private agency under build-operate-transfer (BOT) model. "We already installed more than 130 cameras. Remaining work is progressing. The monitoring facility is almost fully functional. We expect that the facility can be inaugurated by the end of the month," said corporation health standing committee chairman T K Asharaf. "Details of waste dumping can be monitored on a real-time basis. Then, information can be passed on to councillors and health officials. This will make action against offenders easy. We will be taking stringent action against repeat offenders. Measures including confiscating vehicles used for waste dumping are also under consideration," Asharaf said. The surveillance network is being implemented by Thalassery-based Southern Electronics and Security Systems, which is also tasked with installing 150 CCTV cameras for city police. In return for setting up the system, the company has been granted permission to install 600 advertisement boards, each measuring 12 sq ft, on poles within the corporation limits for seven years. Revenue from these boards will go to the company.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kochi corporation to begin work on STP at Brahmapuram
Kochi: Corporation is all set to begin construction of a one mld septage treatment plant (STP) at Brahmapuram. Once the STP is ready, around 200 truckloads of waste can be treated at the plant every day. Corporation authorities have started steps to float a tender for STP. "We are waiting for technical sanction from govt. We expect that govt will soon give it. We already got all other approvals," said corporation health standing committee chairman T K Asharaf. Corporation has included the project in Amrut scheme and an allocation of Rs 30 crore is there for construction of the plant. Design of the plant is such that its capacity can be enhanced to 400 truckloads or four mld later. "We are also planning to introduce certain reforms in the entire system related to septage treatment. We have a plan to introduce a unique design for all private trucks which transport septage waste. A facility to monitor and streamline operations of tanker trucks will also be set up," Asharaf said. The facility may be set up either near the plant or at Yathra auditorium.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Kochi corporation provides insurance cover for health front workers
Kochi: Kochi corporation plans to provide insurance cover for health front workers; a wing started to carry out emergency works during monsoon season. The corporation formed health front workers squads using the local body's contingency workers. There are 150 members in the squad and they will be ready to work in shifts 24X7. "There will be 12 workers in each shift and their service can be availed by dialling up the dedicated numbers or even through messaging. They have been provided with various equipment required for carrying out various emergency works," said chairman, standing committee for health, T K Asharaf. "Being workers who are deployed on the frontline of emergencies, they require all sorts of protection. So, we would be providing them with insurance cover. We are taking all measures in this regard," he said. "We are providing them with all the facilities like gloves, gumboots, pickaxes, raincoats, reflector jackets, helmets etc," he added. It was on May 28 that the corporation launched the squad to mitigate the issues related to the rains. "So far, the squads are working in an effective manner. Even the high court applauded our efforts. The squads will be in the field until June 10. After that, they will be deployed for the sanitation works in each division. If rains aggravate and there is any emergency work, they will be pressed into action," Asharaf said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
