Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Re-Tenders Daddumajra Leachate Treatment Plant After Single Bid
The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has been compelled to re-tender a crucial leachate treatment plant (LTP) project at the Daddumajra dumping site after receiving only a single qualified bid. This development comes as the project remains under the vigilant watch of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), with the authority setting March 6 as the new deadline for tender applications.
Project Details and Financial Scope
The ambitious LTP project is designed with a capacity of 250 kilolitres per day (KLD) and is estimated to cost approximately Rs 4 to 5 crore. A municipal corporation official explained the situation, stating, "Only one agency has qualified the parameters of the bid, and since a single bid cannot be considered for execution, we have re-tendered the project by giving only 10 days' time to the bidders to apply. We are hopeful that this time the project will witness good competition."
Site Preparation and Technical Planning
The MC has already identified a four-kanal plot of land for this project, strategically located at the tail-end area of the Daddumajra dumping site. According to the comprehensive waste management plan, all liquid waste generated at the dumping site will be channeled to the new LTP through a dedicated drain system.
The Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) has been consulted on this matter and retains the authority to technically assess all project parameters, ensuring environmental compliance and effectiveness.
Funding and Environmental Imperatives
Project funding will be sourced from a ring-fenced amount specifically allocated for solid and liquid waste management, as mandated by NGT directives. This financial arrangement underscores the project's regulatory importance and environmental urgency.
Once operational, the treatment plant will process leachate and liquid waste from the dumping ground, with treated water subsequently discharged into sewage lines following established protocols.
Community Impact and Local Concerns
This project holds particular significance for thousands of local residents in the Daddumajra area who have long faced issues with liquid waste seepage from the dumping site into residential zones. The problem intensifies during monsoon seasons, making the LTP implementation a critical step toward improving public health and living conditions.
The re-tendering process, though a temporary setback, reflects the municipal corporation's commitment to ensuring competitive bidding and successful project execution that addresses both environmental regulations and community needs.
