LDF-UDF row in Kochi Corporation likely to intensify over subsidy for biomedical waste collection

The ruling United Democratic Front (UDF)-led council of the Kochi Corporation is sticking to its decision to limit biomedical waste collection subsidies to eligible sections starting next month, despite opposition from the Left Democratic Front (LDF). The LDF had previously blocked council meetings and staged a protest outside Mayor V.K.

Minimol's office after she refused their request for a debate on the matter. Under the new system, the Corporation's universal subsidy has dropped from ₹28 to ₹8 per kg, with further restrictions coming into effect from September. The health standing committee has identified bedridden, mentally challenged, and extremely poor individuals as eligible for subsidy, requiring beneficiaries to submit applications.

The Corporation has replaced waste collection firms Aakri and Suchigo with Success Projects, a Raidco Kerala Limited subsidiary that operates two incinerators at Brahmapuram. The new fee structure maintains the ₹8 per kg subsidy (plus GST), while non-subsidized waste will be charged at ₹20 per kg. Commercial establishments are now paying ₹45 per kg.

Critics, including LDF parliamentary party leader V.A. Sreejith, argue that the new firm's inability to meet delivery deadlines and insufficient collection infrastructure, including vehicles, have disrupted biomedical waste collection. However, UDF councillor Henry Austin argues that the Corporation's deployment of its own vehicles to address the shortage was justified, as they were originally intended for biomedical waste collection and had been unused.