The Tamil Nadu government has canceled tenders meant for appointing consultancy firms to prepare detailed feasibility reports on municipal solid waste collection and transportation under the public-private partnership model in 12 municipal corporations. This decision came after criticism that the move indicated a move towards privatization. Officials clarified that solid waste management in all municipal corporations has been operating under the PPP model since 2022. The consultancy proposal was aimed at assessing and enhancing the existing system, not privatizing it.
The Urban Development Department will now reassess the current solid waste management mechanism, identify operational gaps, and shortcomings in the current contractual arrangements. Following a comprehensive evaluation, decisions will be made on the future course of action. The tender, issued by the Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited, was intended to appoint consultants to prepare feasibility reports and enhance the current waste management system.
TNUIFSL had invited bids from consultancy firms to prepare DFRs and provide transaction advisory services for municipal solid waste management in various cities. The consultancy assignment, costing Rs 4.05 crore, was divided into three packages and was to be funded through the Project Development Grant Fund. The exercise aimed to improve the efficiency of the waste management system by addressing deficiencies in current contracts and identifying better operational models.
The proposal faced criticism from political parties and sanitation workers’ unions. While some viewed it as a fresh attempt at privatization, others saw it as a move to expand private participation in the sector. The CPI(M) and CPI welcomed the withdrawal of the tenders, considering it a positive step. CPI(M) state secretary P. Shanmugam emphasized the need to strengthen the public waste management system while protecting the rights and livelihoods of sanitation workers.
