Kochi Mayor spreading falsehood regarding doorstep collection of biomedical waste, alleges LDF

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has accused Mayor V.K. Minimol of misleading the public regarding the doorstep collection of biomedical waste.

In a statement issued here, LDF Parliamentary Party leader in the Corporation V.A. Sreejith described the Mayor’s remarks as irresponsible and misleading. He said the previous LDF council had never decided to charge ₹45 per kilogram for biomedical waste collection, as claimed by the Mayor.

In reality, the earlier council had resolved to collect waste at a much lower rate. On October 25, 2025, the health standing committee decided that once the new plant began operations, biomedical waste would be collected at the rate of ₹11.5 per kilogram. This decision was subsequently approved by the council on November 4, 2025. The move was taken considering difficulties faced by families with children and bedridden patients.

According to the State government’s directive, up to ₹45 could be charged. However, under the Kochi Corporation’s decision, the entrusted agency had been collecting waste at a subsidised rate of ₹12 per kilo. The construction of a plant at Brahmapuram capable of processing sanitary napkins, diapers, and similar waste had already been completed. Vehicles for waste collection had also been provided. The entire initiative was aimed at collecting waste from households free of cost.

But instead of opposing or correcting the agency’s arbitrary hike in rates, the Mayor has chosen to mislead the public for political purposes, Mr. Sreejith alleged. He said it was condemnable and demanded that the plant be made operational to provide free services to people.