The Kochi Municipal Corporation is facing criticism after reports revealed that only a small portion of the funds allocated for major waste management projects has been utilized over the past two and a half years. According to civic officials, the corporation received nearly ₹70 crore under the Kerala Solid Waste Management Project (KSWMP), but only around ₹1 crore has been used so far for implementation activities.
Authorities stated that the remaining funds could lapse if projects are not completed before the December 2026 deadline. The delay has raised concerns over Kochi’s long-term waste management strategy, especially after the city faced severe environmental issues following the Brahmapuram waste plant fire in recent years.
Mayor V. K. Minimol said the corporation is now preparing new proposals to maximize fund utilization before the deadline. Planned initiatives include the purchase of compactor trucks, strengthening resource recovery facilities, and improving waste transportation systems across the city.
However, officials also pointed to financial and administrative challenges slowing progress. The corporation reportedly has pending payments to contractors and additional maintenance expenses related to waste management infrastructure. Former civic leaders alleged that several earlier proposals connected to the Brahmapuram master plan were rejected, contributing to the present delay.
Meanwhile, residents and environmental activists have demanded faster action, warning that delays could worsen sanitation issues ahead of the monsoon season. Civic bodies across Kochi have already intensified canal cleaning and flood prevention activities to avoid waterlogging and garbage accumulation during heavy rains.
The issue has once again highlighted the urgent need for sustainable and efficient waste management solutions in Kochi as authorities race against time to complete pending projects and prevent the loss of crucial funding.
