Bawana Waste-To-Energy Plant Given Green Nod Amid Protests

Time of India

5 days ago

New Delhi: A 30MW waste-to-energy plant near a village in Bawana Industrial Area has received clearance from the Union environment ministry, confirmed Delhi Pollution Control Committee.
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The environment clearance (EC) has come despite residents of neighbouring villages protesting against the plant since last year.
The 15-acre facility in northwest Delhi, which includes six acres as a green belt, aims to burn 3,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste as boiler fuel per day. Located in DSIIDC Industrial Area, it will be managed by Jindal Urban Waste Management (Bawana) Limited. Municipal Corporation of Delhi has provided the land.
"The capital cost of the proposed project is Rs 660 crore and the capital cost for environmental protection measures is proposed as Rs 91.605 crore. The annual recurring cost towards the environmental protection measures is proposed as Rs 14.155 crore. The employment generation from the proposed project is 242 (during the operational phase)," stated the June 18 document granting EC.
According to it, a JJ colony is within 1km of the plant while within 5km, there are several villages, including Naya Bans, Holambi Khurd and Sanoth.
The waste will be brought via road from approximately 12km away and the plant will use approximately 6,25,000 litres per day of treated water from sewage treatment plants and approximately 7,000 litre fresh water daily. The document, however, claims that the project will not use groundwater.
"A natural nullah is passing through the project site and Western Yamuna Canal is located approximately 32 metres from the site," stated the document, outlining protection measures, including storing waste in a closed pit, to prevent cross-contamination and similar provisions for fly ash and fuel oil.
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An analysis of PM2.5 between March and May 2023 showed readings ranging from 46 to 228 micrograms per cubic metre while the average standards are 40 units annually and 60 daily.
"The residents, especially those living near the industrial area, are already exhausted due to pollution," stated one of the key concerns raised during a public consultation, as highlighted in the grant letter. The response stated, "Ambient air quality monitoring systems will be installed in the plant for tracking pollution levels."
While 61 flora and 56 fauna species are found in the area, Wildlife Protection Act mentions three schedule-I species, Indian peacock, small Asian mongoose and Shikra bird, here. A wildlife conservation plan has been submitted to the divisional forest officer for approval and Rs 54 lakh has been allocated for it, the document stated.
The letter also recommends strengthening primary healthcare services and disease surveillance in Bawana, focusing on prevention and early diagnosis of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
At least Rs 55 lakh will be spent from 2025-26 to 2029-30 to provide medical camps in Bawana and nearby villages.
During the public consultation last Dec, in the presence of DPCC and district administration officials, many village residents cited their current health issues, specifically kidney and lung problems, which, they claimed, were caused by a neighbouring waste disposal facility. Incinerating waste would worsen the situation, they said, drawing parallels with the Okhla plant.
According to a DPCC document issued later, over 680 responses were received.
A plea was filed in Supreme Court by many residents, predominantly from Sanoth located within 4km, who were affected by the current landfill. The court sought a report on the probable impact on environment and health from Central Pollution Control Board. The report is still awaited.