The row between the government and the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation over solid waste management intensified on Wednesday with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy blaming the Corporation for “serious default”, especially in implementing scheme for decentralised waste management.
Talking to the media after a meeting of the Cabinet, the Chief Minister said that there was serious failure on the part of the Corporation in promoting decentralised waste management. The government had targeted establishment of one lakh pipe composting units in the city and had advanced money to the Corporation for providing subsidy.
The Corporation had received more than 33500 applications for the units and 23953 persons had remitted the beneficiary contribution. However, the Corporation had so far set up only 7158 units. The subsidy that should have been made available for these units amounted to Rs. 43 lakh. However, the Corporation had spent only Rs. 6 lakh so far.
Mr. Chandy said that the cleanliness of the city was the primary responsibility of the City Corporation. The government did not want to interfere with the powers of the Corporation in this regard. However, if the Corporation failed to fulfil its responsibilities, the government would have to look for alternatives.
