Delhi residents rally against proposed Bawana waste-to-energy plant

By Adharika*

The People’s Alliance for Waste Accountability (PAWA) and Delhi residents are voicing strong opposition to the proposed Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plant in Bawana, citing environmental and health concerns. A recent public hearing held on December 27, 2024, organized by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), has drawn criticism for its lack of transparency and poor organization.

The hearing, intended to gather community feedback, was marred by a two-hour delay, insufficient documentation, and abrupt closure, leaving many participants unheard. Residents claim their written submissions and attendance were ignored, with no official meeting records shared afterward, raising questions about the process's legitimacy.

If approved, the Bawana plant would incinerate 3,000 tons of unsegregated waste daily, releasing hazardous pollutants such as dioxins and furans. These toxins are linked to severe health issues, including cancer and respiratory illnesses, particularly concerning in a city where residents already lose an average of 12 years of life expectancy due to poor air quality.

Delhi currently operates four WTE plants, all reportedly exceeding safety limits for emissions, further exacerbating the city’s pollution crisis.

Citizen-Led Campaign Against WTE Plants

PAWA, in collaboration with Jhatkaa.org, a digital advocacy organization, has launched a signature campaign demanding the cancellation of the proposed project. Over 500 citizens have already signed the petition, which emphasizes:

Scrapping the Bawana WTE plant and focusing on sustainable waste management alternatives.
Halting further expansion of WTE plants in Delhi-NCR.
Conducting a comprehensive study on WTE impacts on air quality and public health.
Promoting systemic waste management reforms, including waste segregation, plastic restrictions, and decentralized processing.

The petition underscores the urgency for innovative waste management strategies that prioritize public health and environmental sustainability over pollutive industrial solutions.

A Call for Action

The residents and advocacy groups are calling for a transparent and inclusive public consultation on the project. They stress that the government must address the severe health risks associated with incineration and prioritize solutions that mitigate Delhi’s worsening air quality crisis.

For more details or to join the campaign, visit the petition link: Jhatkaa.org Petition.

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*With jhatkaa.org, a digital campaigning organization empowering citizens to leverage technology for a fair, inclusive, and sustainable India

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