Chennai reconsiders 3,500-crore waste-to-energy plant

Chennai's mayor, R Priya, announced on Friday that the city will reconsider plans for a waste-to-energy incineration plant in the Kodungaiyur dumpyard. This project, which would cost 3,500 crore rupees, has faced strong opposition from local councillors and residents. Several organizations have submitted petitions to halt the project. In a recent council meeting, Mayor Priya stated that the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) commissioner will hold a public review meeting to discuss the way forward. MDMK councillor S Jeevan voiced his concerns, comparing the potential plant to the controversial Sterlite plant. He warned that it could negatively impact North Chennai and the entire city. Jeevan also referenced failed waste-to-energy projects in cities such as Rajkot, highlighting public resistance and the risk of wasting taxpayer money. The proposed plant aims to generate 21 MW of power by burning 2,100 tonnes of waste daily. However, CPM councillor R Jayaraman pointed out that the International Finance Corporation has refused to fund similar projects in Gujarat due to concerns over their viability. Other councillors, including CPI's M Renuka and CPM's B Vimala, also expressed opposition to the project.