Tambaram Corporation fast-tracks waste-to-energy project

For a clean urban landscape, the state government of Tamil Nadu has expedited the construction of Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plant in Tambaram City Municipal Corporation. The waste to energy project has been announced in the 2025 state budget. It has been designed to manage the 400 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste generated daily in the region.

The Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) Department of the government has floated a tender to engage consultants for preparing a detailed feasibility report and offering transition advisory services. The proposed plant is to be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The consultancy assignment covers a wide range of responsibilities, including the preparation of a comprehensive master plan for the WtE plant and its associated infrastructure. Key tasks will involve assessing ambient air quality and carrying out pollution dispersion modelling based on seasonal and climatic variations — a crucial requirement in view of public resistance to similar projects in the past.

The infamous Vengadamangalam dumpyard is located within Tambaram Corporation limits. As per reports, the dumpyard has been identified as the likely site for the waste to energy facility. Many waste to energy projects are severe facing public opposition due to concerns over air pollution and health risks. Learning from such experiences, the Tamil Nadu government is prioritising robust environmental impact assessments and ensuring community involvement during the planning stages.

The current tender also calls for the identification of suitable locations in Perungudi for integrated solid waste management infrastructure. Proposed facilities include a bio-CNG plant, a composting unit, and an automated material recovery facility (AMRF) — each playing a vital role in improving waste segregation and resource recovery.

The Tambaram WtE project is being backed by international funding agencies such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and KfW Development Bank of Germany.