The Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department has proposed the project as a cluster facility to process 1,200 tonnes of municipal solid waste a day from Coimbatore and Tiruppur Corporations. The facility is proposed on about 50 acres and will include a WtE plant to generate about 20 MW of power, pre-processing facilities and a scientific landfill. The tender is scheduled to be floated on September 30.
AIADMK councillors display a banner opposing the proposed waste-to-energy project during the Coimbatore Corporation Council meeting at Victoria Town Hall in Coimbatore on Friday. | Photo Credit: PERIASAMY M
Referring to the National Green Tribunal’s observations on the Corporation’s waste management, he said groundwater and air pollution were major concerns and called for decentralised waste management.
AIADMK councillor R. Prabhakaran also opposed the project and questioned whether it would function effectively.
DMK councillor and North Zone chairperson V. Kathirvel said the existing waste management system needed improvement, alleging that waste collection was affected by a shortage of vehicles, manpower and inadequate monitoring of the contractor.
Corporation Commissioner Katta Ravi Teja said the proposed plant would process fresh waste generated each day and would not add to the existing accumulation at Vellalore. He said the plant would generate electricity and pollution-control measures would be put in place.
The gases generated would be treated before release, while leachate would also be treated. Fly ash would be converted into bricks, he said. The plant would have to comply with Central Pollution Control Board and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board standards, with weekly reports to be submitted, he added.
Councillors continued to oppose the proposal. Mayor K. Ranganayaki assured them that the Corporation would stop the tendering process scheduled for September 30.