Agencies asked to submit proposals

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The City Corporation has asked the government-accredited agencies involved in solid waste management to submit their proposals for undertaking decentralised waste disposal programme in the city. At a meeting held at the Corporation office here on Tuesday, the agencies have agreed to submit their proposals before October 15.  The state government had issued an order stipulating the guidelines to be followed for decentralised waste management and setting up of decentralised plants. The specifications were shared with the agencies, including the number of plants that could be set up, the amount and the modus operandi. As many as 22 accredited agencies attended the meeting.  As per government specifications, the Corporation is planning to set up 2,000 biogas plants, more than 620 vermi-composts and nearly 1,200 ring-composts. However, some of the agencies wanted a change in the specifications, while some others could not take up the huge requirements. It was at this point that the Corporation asked them to submit their proposals and conditions, before the end of this week.  The Corporation has decided on a time plan to set up the decentralised waste management programme. It ends on December 15, the time agreed to at the meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to end the crisis in Vilappilsala. Apart from the setting up of plants, there are some aspects that need to be discussed, like the training part and the ownership details.  ‘’We have made clear our demands; based on the government specifications, the agencies have to reveal their stand before October 15. After that, we will decide on whom to be trusted with the programme,’’ said S Pushpalatha, Health Standing Committee Chairperson. Once the proposals are studied, further discussions would be held on the matter, Corporation health officials said.