Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) experienced an unusual acceleration in the approval process for a bio-mining tender on September 13, which has raised eyebrows and concerns.

The tender, related to the processing of 10 lakh metric tons of waste at the Phursungi-Uruli Devachi landfill, was fast-tracked through six departments in just a few hours, an unusual pace for the typically slow-moving bureaucratic processes.

Initially, the bid from Bhumi Green Energy, the lowest bidder, was set at ₹979 per ton, which was ₹135 more than the PMC’s specified rate. This discrepancy would have resulted in a significant financial loss of ₹13.5 crore for the municipal corporation.

In response, the PMC asked the contractor to justify their rates and to reduce them within seven days. Following negotiations led by Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P., the contractor agreed to lower the rate to ₹970 per ton, reducing the potential loss to ₹12.6 crore.

The tender's rapid approval process involved several departments. The proposal was prepared for the Standing Committee's approval and circulated among the Accounts and Finance Department, the Vigilance Department, and other key offices within hours. By 4 p.m., it received the Standing Committee's approval.

However, it was noted that the file had moved through these departments without the signature of a key department head who was absent.

"The contractor has reduced the transportation fee by ₹9, and the Standing Committee has approved the tender. All department heads have signed off on the proposal," said Prithviraj B.P., Additional Commissioner of the Pune Municipal Corporation.