Kochi Corporation will protect the interests and well-being of its people while considering projects proposed at the site of the Brahmapuram solid waste treatment plant, said Mayor Tony Chammany.
Replying to the debate in the council on Monday, Mr. Chammany said that the State government had proposed an industrial establishment at the 104 acre land for ensuring the development of the area. The idea was mooted for pacifying the local population that was opposed to setting up a new plant there, he said.
Walkout
Dissatisfied by the Mayor’s reply, Opposition councillors walked out of the council meeting.
Raising the issue in the council meeting, N. Anilkumar of the CPI (M) said that delineation of the land would create a serious crisis for the civic body. The earlier government had supported the civic body in possessing the land for managing its solid waste.
Disregarding the concerns of the civic body, the State government has showcased an industrial project in the land owned by the civic body, which cannot be accepted, Mr. Anilkumar said.
K.J. Jacob, the CPI (M) leader in the council, warned of agitations against the delineation of the land. The civic body would require the land for its future projects for managing municipal waste, he said.
In his reply, the Mayor said that no discussions were held for the allocation of the land and it would be premature to arrive at some conclusions at this stage. The corporation needs to set up a modern waste treatment plant there in the interest of the city, he said.
The attitude of viewing the State government as an invasive force which is out to usurp the powers of the civic body cannot be accepted and the local self governments and State government should work in tandem to ensure development, he said.
Shyamala S. Prabhu, the BJP member in the council, also protested against the proposal for allotting the land for industrial units. She also objected to the civic body removing the publicity materials of Sree Krishna Jayanthi displayed in the city.
K.R. Premakumar, a Congress councillor, supported the government’s proposal.
Those who took part in the discussion included C.A. Shakkeer, K.N. Sunilkumar, Antony Kureethara and Thampi Subramanian.
