Residents’ associations meet Mayor, propose alternative to waste-to-energy plant

A group of residents’ welfare associations met Chennai Mayor R. Priya on Thursday, and proposed alternatives to waste-to-energy plants, including the development of a zero waste App, promotion of green startups, clean technology-based decentralisation of waste processing and government support for residents’ participation in zero waste initiatives. 

The residents also urged the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to shelve the waste-to-energy plant project, and announced the launch of yet another phase of protest against waste to energy plants if GCC fails to shelve the project. Mayor R. Priya said the GCC will consider the proposal and implement some of the alternatives that are feasible. 

Federation of North Chennai Residents’ Welfare Associations president T.K.Shanmugham said the data collected from other cities have shown that the waste to energy project will pollute north Chennai also.

“The GCC should study the alternative proposals and ask engineers to implement projects to convert each of the decentralised waste management centres into a public space of learning and training on waste management. The GCC should use artificial intelligence for process efficiency. They should enhance communication in schools, colleges and to the public via awareness videos, advertisements and zero waste toolkit books distribution,” he said.

Pointing to the dangers of waste-to-energy plant, the residents said they have established contacts with residents of other cities to get information about civic issues faced by residents and prove that the waste to energy plants pollute air, water, and soil by releasing sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, PM2.5, PM10, HCL, heavy metals, dioxins and furans.

The residents have collected data to show that waste burning was primarily responsible for high PM2.5, chloride and subsequent haze and fog formation, impacting air quality in Delhi. 

The health impacts of waste incineration include respiratory problems, asthma, headaches, skin ailments, cancer and the particular vulnerability of children and pregnant women.

The four waste-to-energy incineration plants in Delhi reportedly emit carbon dioxide equivalent to the emissions from approximately 30 lakh passenger cars. The climate action plans of major cities in India, including Chennai and Mumbai, have clearly recommended against waste incineration. The proposed waste-to-energy plant in Kodungaiyur falls in an identified wetland with over 52 species of documented birds. The project creates a lock-in period of 25 years, making waste reduction and minimisation goals impossible, said residents. 

The residents also urged the government to construct the a multidisciplinary learning centre with a modern library in Kodungaiyur for providing an opportunity for socially weaker students to excel in higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, startups to address environmental challenges and eco-restoration of the Kodungaiyur wetland.