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Waste-to-energy plant in Bawana sparks protests, residents threaten Delhi election boycott

  • Bawana residents oppose proposed waste-to-energy plant, citing pollution risks, health hazards, and environmental degradation concerns
  • Locals raise alarms over destruction of mature trees, pollutants from emissions, and potential ash mismanagement issues
  • Environmentalists stress need for waste reduction, recycling over incineration; demand proper implementation of 2016 waste management laws

16 Jan 2025

Waste-to-energy plant in Bawana sparks protests, residents threaten Delhi election boycott

The proposed waste-to-energy (WTE) plant in Bawana, Delhi, has sparked widespread opposition from local residents who have raised serious concerns about its potential environmental and health impacts. The facility is planned for a 15-acre plot located near the Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility for hazardous waste in DSIDC Sector 5. This location is surrounded by residential areas, and the project has triggered strong resistance from the communities of over 15 villages in the vicinity.

A primary concern among residents is the emission of harmful pollutants from the plant, including dioxins, furans, particulate matter, and heavy metals such as mercury and lead. Locals argue that these emissions could further degrade the already poor air quality in the region, exacerbating respiratory problems, and contributing to neurological disorders and other long-term health conditions. The residents, who are already exposed to pollution from nearby factories and existing waste-to-energy plants, believe the new facility would significantly worsen the situation.

Environmental concerns also focus on the impact the plant may have on local biodiversity, particularly the destruction of mature trees present on the proposed site. These trees, residents argue, play a vital role in maintaining the local ecosystem, and their removal for the construction of the plant could harm the area’s ecological balance. On January 6, local residents sent a letter to the Deputy Conservator of Forests, urging the protection of the trees, and asking for an assessment of the project’s potential environmental consequences.

In addition to concerns about emissions and deforestation, residents have highlighted issues related to the management of waste and the disposal of ash generated by waste incineration. Local communities have pointed to the problematic record of nearby waste-to-energy plants, particularly the Okhla facility, which has faced issues with hazardous ash disposal and high pollutant levels. They argue that these failures underscore the risk that the Bawana WTE plant could face similar problems, further compromising the health and safety of nearby residents.

Environmentalists have also raised concerns about the broader approach to waste management, criticizing the over-reliance on incineration as an energy solution. Experts argue that the focus should instead be on waste reduction, prevention, and proper recycling to address the root causes of pollution. Bhavreen Kandhari, an environmentalist, pointed out that improper waste segregation at the source and inadequate recycling systems lead to toxic emissions when waste is incinerated. She emphasized that the 2016 Solid Waste Management Byelaws, which mandate proper waste segregation, have not been adequately implemented, resulting in systemic failures in waste management.

The growing opposition from residents has resulted in protests and calls for a boycott of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections unless their concerns are addressed. A public hearing held on December 27, which was attended by thousands of local residents, saw strong objections raised against the project. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) report from January 3 noted that the protests highlighted the community’s opposition to the facility, particularly due to the presence of other solid waste processing plants and the health risks posed by the existing pollution levels in the area. With election day approaching, the proposed WTE plant has become a key issue for voters, with many calling for more transparency and public involvement in the decision-making process.

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Waste-to-energy plant in Bawana sparks protests
Bawana residents oppose proposed waste-to-energy plant, citing pollution risks, health hazards, and environmental degradation concerns





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