Incomplete data genesis of scam

New Delhi: The controversy surrounding the corruption allegations in waste

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contracts in North Corporation is entirely based on the need for privatising solid waste management. Additional commissioner, department of environment management services, Deepak Hastir told the standing committee on Wednesday that the bid quoted by the private concessionaires is justified as the Municipal Solid Waste Rules 2000 (MSW) do not just talk about collection and transportation of garbage, but demand scientific handling of waste for which equipment and manpower are required. The latest emission and MSW rules state that customised vehicles like compactors need to be deployed and merely using open trucks for the transportation of garbage would attract hefty fines. The rules also call for round-the-clock deployment of labour on all waste storage depots and open sites to maintain sanitation. “The private concessioner is also required to maintain waste storage depots, place bins at strategic locations like unauthorised areas, market places and congested places,” Hastir said. The rules also mandate installation of GPS systems, setting up of control rooms and helplines. Tools and plants, spraying of disinfectants on garbage for odour control and uniforms and safety equipment to labourers are other requirements. “Our waste

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and rates were sent to IIT Delhi for vetting in April last year. Professor AK Nema, an expert in environmental engineering, approved it. Hence our waste proposal is foolproof,” the official added. Leader of the opposition, Mukesh Goel had said that AG Enviro Infra was currently charging Rs 959.64 for disposing one metric tonne of garbage in Karol Bagh, but the new bid awarded to Metro Waste Handling is for Rs 1,305. In Sadar Paharganj, AG Enviro Infra will now charge Rs 1,277 per metric tonne. The City zone will also be handled by AG Enviro Infra at Rs 1,277 per metric tonne. In Narela zone, the corporation was handling the disposal of garbage itself by hiring trucks that cost it Rs 500 per metric tonne. Now, Delhi Waste Management Cell will do the job for Rs 1,178 per metric tonne. Apart from this, the new waste disposal contracts have provisions for stringent penalty clauses, contingency plans in emergency and festival seasons. “They are required to set up transfer stations and workshops for segregation of garbage. They have to comply with the MSW and DPCC rules and follow the Centre’s directions. NGT and MoEF will strictly monitor the concessioners’ compliance with Swachch Bharat Mission’s guidelines too,” Hastir said.