The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Council on Wednesday approved the setting up of a plant to generate power from waste, even as the Opposition members raised objections.
The project will be implemented on BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) basis by Ramky Energy and Environment Ltd. at Mavallipura. According to the proposal, 1,000 tonnes of garbage will be used as raw material to generate 10 MW of power.
The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and Airports Authority of India have already approved the project.
Opposition Leader M. Udayshankar pointed out that similar projects that were to be set up in Mandur and Mavallipura were yet to be commissioned.
Hanumanthnagar councillor K. Chandrashekar and Jayamahal councillor N.K. Gunashekar stated that the contractor (Ramky) had not fulfilled the stipulated conditions of the previous contracts. Even ruling party leader B.R. Nanjundappa urged the Commissioner to verify the status of the projects in Mandur and Mavallipura.
Mr. Gunashekar suspected mala fide intentions and alleged that the project was not in the interest of the civic body.
“Why should BBMP approve the detailed project report prepared by Ramky? Have the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission issued no objection certificates for the project?” he asked.
B.V. Satish, Chief Engineer (Environment Cell), said that a global tender for the project had been floated and Ramky qualified in the tender. Though only 46 acres was available, the BBMP has been forced to send over 750 tonnes of garbage to Mavallipura. He said that the project to generate power from garbage used latest technology.
Garuda Mall
The council members opposed the renewal of the agreement with Maverick Holdings Pvt. Ltd. (Garuda Mall) and suggested public auction towards garnering more revenue to the BBMP's coffers. Shantalanagar councillor K. Shivakumar alleged that the developer had failed to adhere to the agreement and had encroached on the stormwater drain, which was causing flooding in the nearby areas during monsoon. Mr. Chandrashekar said that the developer was using the parking space commercially and yet the BBMP had not initiated any action against him.
Commissioner M.K. Shankarlinge Gowda said that the Technical Vigilance Cell under Commissioner (TVCC) and a team headed by Joint Commissioner (East) would look into the issue. “We will look into the reports and take a final call. The issue will be brought before the council again,” he said.
Yeshwantpur councillor Muniratna Naidu objected to the approval of the parking complex at Freedom Park estimated at Rs. 80.12 crore. He said that there was a need to re-examine the project proposal to reduce the cost. He suggested that the complex could be constructed on Build-Own-Operate-Transfer basis, which will not be a financial burden on the BBMP.
Mr. Gowda said that the project was funded by the 13th Finance Commission. “After a detailed discussion, the project estimate has been brought down to Rs. 56 crore. The complex capacity will be limited to 400 cars. Once the council and Government approve the project, we will be able to get funds for the same,” he added.
