Pune: Despite earlier assurances of ensuring full competition, the Pune Municipal Corporation has decided to retain the original terms for the biomining tender at the Uruli Devachi waste depot.

This decision, made after a pre-bid meeting, disregards suggestions for changes that could have encouraged broader participation. The current terms, particularly the requirement for experience in RDF disposal, may limit the number of eligible bidders, potentially leading to financial losses for the corporation. Contractors have until August 13 to submit their bids.

In accordance with the National Green Tribunal's order, the Pune Municipal Corporation has begun biomining 5.3 million metric tons of waste at the Phursungi-Uruli Devachi waste depot.

So far, 2.1 million metric tons have been processed through tenders issued in 2016 and 2021. Now, a new tender has been issued for the biomining of 1 million metric tons of waste. For the first time, the tender is based on guidelines from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

To encourage more competition, the requirement for a "bid capacity" was removed. Additionally, companies with an annual turnover exceeding ₹250 crore but without prior biomining experience were allowed to submit bids.

However, a condition was introduced requiring bidders to have experience in disposing of 200,000 tons of RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel), which is not mentioned in the MoHUA guidelines.

This condition could disqualify many financially capable companies, thereby reducing competition and potentially leading to financial losses for the corporation.

During the pre-bid meeting on July 22, representatives from 18 companies voiced their concerns. Many requested the removal of the RDF disposal condition, while some called for permission to allow joint ventures.

Following the meeting, the Solid Waste Management Department suggested reducing the RDF disposal experience requirement to 60,000 tons and allowing joint ventures.

However, Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B. P. rejected these changes, maintaining the original terms. Commissioner Bhosale has approved this decision, and contractors have until August 13 to submit their bids.

Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale stated, "The decision taken by the Additional Commissioner has been upheld. The RDF condition is also applied in Thane, Assam, and Noida. Therefore, Pune Municipal Corporation has also decided to retain it."