The proposed waste-to-energy (WTE) plant in Bawana has become a focal point of contention as Delhi Assembly elections approach. Local residents are expressing concerns over its potential environmental and health impacts and threatening to boycott the upcoming polls if the project proceeds.
The plant, slated to be built on a 15-acre site near the Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) for hazardous waste in DSIDC Sector 5, has sparked protests from over 15 nearby villages.
Residents fear that the proposed project, which aims to convert waste into energy, will lead to the destruction of local greenery, increased pollution, and serious health risks, including respiratory issues and neurological disorders. They also raise alarms about the potential emissions from the plant, such as dioxins, furans, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and heavy metals like mercury and lead, which they believe will worsen air quality and harm public health.
Rajpal Saini, a resident of Sanoth village which falls under the Narela assembly constituency highlighted the ongoing struggles with pollution from nearby factories and existing WTE plants. “The toxic emissions from this plant will put our lives at risk. We’re already struggling with pollution from nearby factories and other WTE plants here, which will make it unbearable,” he told PTI.
Despite assurances from authorities that the plant will incorporate necessary pollution control systems, residents point to the problematic track record of nearby WTE plants. Mange Ram, another local, cited the Okhla WTE plant as an example of how ash mismanagement and toxic emissions have negatively affected surrounding communities.
Locals raise concerns over soil and water contamination
Concerns have also been raised about the potential for soil and water contamination from improper handling of waste and ash.
“Authorities promise pollution control measures, but we’ve seen failures before. Ash mismanagement at other plants has harmed nearby communities,” said Rakesh Kumar, another resident of Sanoth, “and we can’t take such risks here.”
Ram Chandran, a resident of Bawana라이브 바카라 JJ Colony, expressed outrage over the destruction of trees, which are vital to the local ecosystem. “This 15-acre land has mature trees that are crucial for the local ecosystem. Destroying these trees for a project that adds to pollution is unacceptable,” Chandran said.
A letter was sent to the Deputy Conservator of Forest on January 6 to address these concerns.
Residents have also criticised the environmental sensitivity report for excluding key inhabited areas, including Sanoth village, JJ Colony, the CRPF Camp, and the Air Force Station.
“This deliberate omission shows a lack of transparency. Such decisions should involve the affected communities,” said Yash, President of the Bawana Residents’ Welfare Association.
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Environmentalists like Bhavreen Kandhari argue that the plant is symptomatic of broader failures in waste management. “This over-reliance on incineration reflects a deeper systemic failure,” Kandhari said, suggesting that the focus should shift to waste prevention, reduction, and recycling rather than burning waste for energy.
‘Development should not come at the cost of health and environment’
In response to these concerns, residents have invoked Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to a clean and healthy environment. “Development should not come at the cost of our health and environment,” said social worker Nisha Singh.
A public hearing for the environmental clearance of the project was held on December 27, with thousands of locals gathering to protest against the plant. A report by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) noted that the site, already impacted by industrial activity, is unsuitable for another waste processing facility.
Despite reassurances from project representatives about the plant라이브 바카라 pollution control measures and its potential benefits in terms of waste management and job creation, the opposition from the local community remains strong.
As election day on February 5 approaches, residents have threatened to boycott the polls if their concerns are not addressed, making the waste-to-energy plant a key issue in the region라이브 바카라 political landscape.
