CSML to decide on re-utilisation of funds meant for STP project in West Kochi

Firm chosen for implementing the ₹166-crore project had backed out following protests

With the ₹166-crore sewage treatment plant project proposed in West Kochi being scrapped, Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) will soon decide on the utilisation of funds earmarked for the project.

A firm, which was selected for implementing the project, had written to the Mission authorities earlier, saying that it was withdrawing from the project, as it could not take it forward. Though the firm had demanded compensation to cover the loss it sustained after initiating the work, no decision on compensation was taken, said a civic administrator.

However, the security deposit and other amounts that the firm had deposited with the Mission may have to be returned. The director board will have to take a decision on these aspects shortly, he said.

The funds earmarked for the project should be utilised within a year. A decision on utilisation of funds will be taken after holding discussions at the city-level committee for the Mission projects, said Mayor M. Anilkumar.

There are a few projects that could be taken up, including the construction of the KSRTC bus stand and a few multi-level vehicle parking amenities. A few road projects can also be taken up if funds are available. Detailed discussions need to be held at various levels before zeroing in on the projects, said Mr. Anilkumar, who is also one of the directors on the board.

It was the unprecedented public protest and litigation that forced the firm to quit the project. Besides the series of protests, some residents of West Kochi had challenged the project in the High Court and the right of the Kochi Corporation to permit the construction at the site, which, according to them, was a pond earlier.

Though soil tests and other preliminary work were initiated, the firm could not take it further in the face of protests and resistance. Hence, it backed out, said a Mission official.

The project was to treat 6.50 million litres of sewage daily from the first five wards of the corporation in West Kochi.

At present, only less than 5% of the city area is covered by the sewage treatment network.