After finally opening the tenders for the bio-methanation plants, the Chief Officer of MMC now wants to check the efficacy of the plants by first purchasing only one plant at a cost of Rs 2.39 crore.
The one proposed by the GWMC costs double prompting the Shadow Council to enquire what special features the former possesses.
The chief officer’s decision to check the efficacy of the plant may sound good, but in case things are not favourable, Rs 2.39 crore is not a small amount to be forfeited.
What we see is that there are unknown risks which need to be listed and mitigated. Even power generating plants impose a penalty of up to even Rs 4 lakh for every Kw above the guaranteed value for ancillary plants like water treatment, because more efficient plants cost more and bidders bid a lower cost but provide a lower efficiency one which is costlier in the end.
Here too, adequate penalties must be specified by the chief officer.
Plant sustainability must be ensured by taking a two-year bank guarantee for 20 per cent of plant cost.
