Okhla plant violates eco norms: CPCB -Governance Now

Okhla plant violates eco norms: CPCB

The study by CPCB says the plant is using untested Chinese incinerator technology; has no disaster management plan.

Brajesh Kumar | April 12, 2012

Waste-to-energy plant, on trial run in Okhla in south Delhi has violated several rules including environmental clearance conditions, reveled a report prepared by central pollution control board (CPCB).

The 31-page report, accessed by toxic watch alliance, an NGO, revealed that the Jindal ITF Ecoplis, the company that runs the plant in partnership with the municipal corporation of Delhi has been using untested and unapproved Chinese incinerator technology in complete violation of all laws including its own project design documents and environment impact assessment report.

According to the report, the plant has no disaster management plan in place.

In the report, Dr A B Akolkar, director, CPCB said that as per municipal solid waste rules biodegradable waste is to be treated using biological method rather than by incineration as being done by the Jindal Ecopolis.

“The report is shocking to say the least and the government should take steps to shut down the plant at okhla,” Gopal Krishna, convener of Toxic Watch Alliance said.

Currently there are three waste-to-energy incineration plants in Delhi – in Ghazipur, Okhla and Bawana. Out of the three only the Okhla plant, is operational and is on trial run. The plants are expected to produce 66.9 MW power.

The residents of Sukhdev Vihar which falls in the vicinity of the Okhla plant have been protesting against the plant in their neighbourhood for long. According to the residents the plant had been emitting toxic gas with serious consequences on their health.

Following their protest, the former environment minister Jairam Ramesh had formed the technical experts’ evaluation committee last year to look into the matter.

The committee’s report was presented to CPCB last month.

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