Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has approved a ₹577.96 crore, 15-year contract to process 500 metric tonnes of waste daily at the Devachi Uruli waste depot. It approved a policy allowing unauthorised overhead cables to remain temporarily for one year, subject to an annual fee.

PMC approves ₹577.96 cr contract to process 500 metric tonnes of waste daily at Devachi Uruli waste depot and okays unauthorised overhead cables to remain temporarily for one year by paying fee. ((PIC FOR REPRESENTATION))

The waste-processing contract has been awarded to Bhoomi Green Energy Envirocare LLP, which quoted ₹772 per tonne, against ₹1,045 quoted by Antony Lara Enviro Solutions Pvt Ltd. The proposed integrated facility will process 300 tonnes of wet waste and 200 tonnes of dry waste daily on about 12 acres.

The contract includes operation and maintenance of the facility and can be extended by another five years. The quoted rate will increase by 7% annually.

Overhead cables

Under the new policy, telecom companies will pay ₹3 lakh per km annually, while internet and broadband companies will pay ₹1 lakh per km to temporarily retain overhead cables. They will have one year to shift the networks underground.

PMC will conduct a joint survey and GIS mapping of overhead cables. Cables must display the service provider’s name, a 24-hour emergency contact number and a permission/QR number, with colour coding also mandatory.

Unused cables must be removed, while non-compliant networks may face cancellation of permission and civic action. The policy proposes a ₹2,000-per-metre penalty for unauthorised overhead cables.

PMC standing committee chairman Shrinath Bhimale said underground cabling would improve safety and reduce visual clutter. He added that around 500 km of cable-related excavation is currently underway, while PMC is planning a 750-km civic internet network.