New Delhi, Oct. 20 -- As the Delhi government plans to roll out a Rs.104-crore pilot project to tackle air pollution at 40 locations across the capital, the initiative will be divided into 40 separate contracts worth an estimated Rs.2.6 crore each, allowing private companies and startups to independently bid for assignments. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), will select the lowest eligible bidder for each contract as part of the reported plan to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 levels by 20 per cent at the selected sites.
According to the procurement document, each of the 40 schedules carries an estimated value of Rs.2.6 crore. The lowest eligible bidder will be selected separately for each schedule, allowing different agencies to secure individual assignments rather than requiring one company to undertake the entire project. The estimated value is intended to guide eligibility and earnest money deposit requirements and does not determine the final quoted price.
The document categorises the work as "Air Quality Monitoring Service, Outdoor Area". Sampling locations, frequency, number of samples and parameters are covered under the relevant technical specifications, with reporting also included in the scope.
The eligibility framework requires bidders to have a minimum average annual turnover of Rs.1 crore over three years and demonstrate experience in similar services. Companies can qualify through three completed projects worth at least 40 per cent of the estimated cost, two projects worth at least 50 per cent, or one project worth at least 80 per cent.
Eligible startups registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) can seek relaxation from the turnover and experience criteria, subject to the conditions specified in the document. The provision could widen participation by newer firms with relevant technological capabilities.
Financial safeguards have also been prescribed. Bidders must deposit Rs.5 lakh as earnest money for every schedule they select, while the successful agency must furnish a performance bank guarantee of 3 per cent, with a validity period of 14 months.
Payments are to be made within 45 days after the service delivery acceptance certificate is issued and bills are submitted online. The buyer can increase or decrease the contract quantity or duration by up to 50 per cent, subject to the specified conditions.
The procurement document was issued on September 17. The contract period is one year.
The reported project covers 40 locations across five categories, including marketplaces, commercial districts, transport hubs, tourist destinations, hospitals and educational institutions. The precise sites and implementation arrangements would be governed by the accompanying technical specifications.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.