Waste-to-Energy Plan for Chandigarh Cleared with Central Share

The Central Government has cleared a Waste-to-Energy project for Chandigarh. The announcement was made by Minister of State for Urban Development and Housing Tokhan Sahu in response to an issue raised by Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari in the Lok Sabha. Tewari had sought the establishment of a Waste-to-Energy plant and the removal of the garbage mound at the Dadu Majra dumping site.

Replying to the matter, Sahu said that as per information from the Chandigarh UT administration, about 5.10 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste at Dadu Majra have been treated. Nearly 55,000 metric tonnes of unprocessed waste at the site are currently under remediation. The administration has assured that proper waste-processing facilities will be set up to prevent the problem from recurring.

Sahu also said that under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0), financial support is provided to states and Union Territories to ensure full scientific processing of municipal solid waste. This includes facilities such as Waste-to-Compost plants, Waste-to-Energy plants, Material Recovery Facilities, Construction and Demolition waste plants, bio-methanation units and legacy waste remediation projects, based on approved action plans.

Chandigarh had submitted a proposal to remediate 7.67 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste at a total cost of Rs 42.18 crore, with a Central share of Rs 28.50 crore, which has been approved. Tewari welcomed the progress but criticised the Municipal Corporation and Administration for repeated delays and unmet deadlines.

Source: The Tribune