Delhi could get new waste to energy plant in Bawana

As Delhi struggles with mounting pollution pressure on its land, water & air, year after year, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has announced plans to construct a new waste-to-energy plant in Bawana to scientifically manage waste of a large part of the city.

To ensure public involvement, DPCC has invited feedback from citizens, experts and organizations before finalizing the detailed project report for the waste to energy project.

According to the DPCC’s executive summary, rapid urbanization and industrialization in the Northwest part of the national capital have led to a significant increase in garbage generation, prompting the proposal for a waste-to-energy plant in Bawana. As per reports, the waste to energy project will be executed by Jindal Urban Waste Management (Bawana) Limited, the same company managing the Okhla plant.

Suggestions can be sent to msdpcc@nic.in until December 26. DPCC will also conduct a public hearing on December 27.

The public feedback decision follows recent controversies surrounding the Okhla waste to energy plant, where residents of nearby areas voiced strong objections to its operation. The Okhla waste to energy plant began operations in 2012 and very soon locals reported severe air pollution caused by the plant. Residents of the nearby areas have repeatedly expressed concerns about the adverse health effects of toxins released during trash incineration.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is also working to expedite the development of its waste-to-energy (WtE) project in the Narela area. Also, a bio-CNG plant will be established in the infamous Ghazipur area of Delhi, aiming to produce clean fuel from wet waste collected from local wholesale markets and residential colonies.

With an objective of expedite waste management in Delhi, the Delhi Government has granted the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Commissioner expanded authority to oversee contracts related to municipal solid waste.