Karnataka Deputy CM Debunks Contract Allegations

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar refuted claims concerning the issuance of solid waste management contracts to blacklisted firms in Bengaluru. He emphasized that landfill sites have not been identified, making contract issuance impossible. Allegations of accepting bribes for contracts were dismissed as baseless and unfounded.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday dismissed allegations that the government had issued contracts to blacklisted firms for solid waste management in Bengaluru, asserting no contracts have been issued yet.

Addressing reporters, Shivakumar clarified, "The landfills on the outskirts of the city have not been identified yet. Then how can we issue contracts to companies to manage solid waste, let alone blacklisted companies." He refuted claims of issuing Rs 94,000 crore contracts for 30 years to blacklisted companies, calling allegations by a union minister and media reports as completely baseless.

Shivakumar mentioned that the struggle to identify landfill sites continues, with no progress after waste disposal ceased at Mandur. Talks are ongoing with Nice (Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise) for an alternative site. He emphasized the need to relocate two to three landfill sites out of Bengaluru and noted that the issue would be discussed with the chief minister and placed before the cabinet.

(With inputs from agencies.)