Date:03/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/04/03/stories/2007040318470400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Tenders floated for privatised waste management

Kannal Achuthan

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) has invited bids from private firms for solid waste management in Ice House, Kodambakkam, Adyar and Pulianthope zones of the city.

TIDCO is the nodal agency helping the Corporation find a suitable private operator through an international competitive bidding process. It will issue the document containing project details and regulations for firms from April 2 to April 27. Firms are required to submit their proposals by May 2. The city produces solid waste of about 3,500 tonnes per day.

The Corporation's seven-year contract with CES Onyx for garbage clearance in the Ice House, Kodambakkam and Adyar zones came to an end in February, but has been extended till the new tender process is completed. The State Government also approved the addition of Pulianthope zone for privatised waste management.

According to the Corporation data, the four zones chosen produce about 1,430 tonnes of solid waste per day. At present, Onyx is paid about Rs. 30 crore per year to clear 1,200 tonnes of garbage. Environmentalists have demanded that solid waste be managed as a resource rather than be dumped in Kodungaiyur and Perungudi.

In its January order, the State government said private operators would also have to observe Municipal Solid Waste Rules.