Kochi Corporation Selects Pune-based Bhumi Green Energy for Brahmapuram Biomining Contract
Kochi, 8th September 2023: Kochi Corporation Council has awarded the contract for biomining operations at the Brahmapuram dumping yard to Pune-based Bhumi Green Energy. This decision comes amidst some opposition, primarily from the United Democratic Front (UDF), which argued that the rate of ₹1,690 per tonne was excessively high and called for a retender. Of the 74 council members present, 25 from the UDF opposed the decision, while BJP councillors supported it. Mayor M. Anilkumar emphasized the urgency of biomining, citing a High Court directive to prevent fires at the site.
Biomining, a crucial waste treatment process, must be completed within 16 months, although the UDF proposed extending the tenure to 28 months. The decision to entrust Bhumi Green Energy with the biomining project followed a visit by one councillor each from the UDF, Left Democratic Front (LDF), and the BJP to the company’s Pune facility, all of whom provided a positive assessment, according to an official statement.
Before commencing biomining, an expert firm will assess the quantity of untreated garbage. Bhumi Green Energy defended its per-tonne rate, explaining the necessity of transporting the refuse-derived fuel (RDF) to firms in northern Indian states. Mayor Anilkumar also stressed the urgency of establishing a power generation plant from the collected garbage.
Notably, no mobilization advance will be granted, and payments will be based on the volume of work completed. A monitoring committee will oversee the entire process. It’s worth mentioning that another competing firm had quoted a rate three times higher than the one accepted.
A substantial sum of ₹38.70 crore from the Central grant will be allocated for the biomining project, with the potential for additional funding if the work meets expectations.
