Amid opposition, GCC advances Solid Waste Processing Facility project at Kodungaiyur
In spite of great public opposition to its proposal, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has moved forward with its ₹1,268.38 crore plan to establish an Integrated Solid Waste Processing Facility (IWPF) near the dump yard at Kodungaiyur.
The civic body has initiated the process to appoint an independent engineer (IE) to supervise the implementation of the project. This was after a tender worth ₹8.53 crore in this regard was floated recently. The engineer will oversee not only the IWPF but also related infrastructure at the dump yard.
The engineer will be responsible for supervising construction of the IWPF, reviewing claims, certifying payments, monitoring key performance indicators, and inspecting the condition of project facilities. All communication with the private firm involved in the project will be routed through the Corporation, according to the GCC.
The IE is also required to conduct periodic inspections, and submit compliance reports during both the construction and operational phases
The appointment will cover a three-year term, including the construction period and part of the operations phase, with scope for extension.
Phase-wise construction planned
The IWPF project in Kodungaiyur comprises four core infrastructure components: a waste-to-energy (WtE) power plant, an automated material recovery facility (MRF), a composting unit, and a bio-CNG plant. The WtE and MRF facilities account for ₹1,026.41 crore of the total cost, while the composting and bio-CNG units are estimated at ₹142.97 crore and ₹99 crore, respectively. The capital investment for Phase I stands at ₹853.20 crore, with Phase II projected at ₹415.18 crore.
Processed waste will be handled at the site, with transportation of residual matter to a designated sanitary landfill.
Notably, a demonstration against the Waste-to-Energy component of this project was held, headed by the Federation of North Chennai Residents' Welfare Associations, from Sivasakthi Amman temple in Ezhil Nagar of Kodungaiyur on May 25.
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