In a substantial move aimed at bolstering the city’s waste management infrastructure, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is on the verge of greenlighting contracts worth a staggering ₹3,380 crore over a decade for door-to-door waste collection.
This monumental decision, set to be finalised in the forthcoming standing committee meeting on Thursday, marks the most significant financial commitment yet towards this critical initiative. Sources reveal that seven tenders are poised for approval, with four companies emerging as the chosen contenders. The bidding process has seen the base price fixed at ₹315 crore per annum, although the lowest bids clocked in at ₹338 crore annually. The AMC’s urgency to secure these contracts before the announcement of Lok Sabha election dates underscores the critical timeline at play, given the restrictions that come into effect under the election code of conduct.
Aligned with the AMC’s strategic blueprint, ‘Road Map for Zero Waste Ahmedabad’, drafted during 2014-15 when the city’s waste generation averaged 600g per capita, this initiative holds paramount importance. The primary goal, as outlined in the document, is to trim waste generation to 450g per capita. Notably, the expenditure for door-to-door waste collection has ascended from ₹100 crore in 2014-15 to ₹240 crore in 2023, with a projected annual cost for 2024 soaring to ₹338 crore. The tender specifications mandate 100% waste segregation, albeit without stringent provisions for contract termination in the event of non-compliance. Instead, penalties are delineated as deterrents, emphasising accountability and adherence to stipulated standards. With this ambitious venture, the AMC aims to not only tackle the pressing issue of waste management but also underscore its commitment towards sustainable urban development.
