Press release
16 January 2025 | New Delhi: The People’s Alliance for Waste Accountability and Delhi residents have expressed deep disappointment over the poorly managed public hearing held on December 27, 2024, to discuss the proposed Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plant in Bawana.
The hearing, organized by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), failed to address citizens’ concerns and lacked the transparency required for such a critical decision. While the people living in Delhi-NCR already lose 12 years of their life due to poor air quality, it is ironic that a huge “red category” industry is being proposed which will increase the pollution load substantially. The residents and PAWA, who had come together to oppose the proposed project through a signature petition on Jhatkaa.org, are now demanding for a fresh public consultation that is transparent.
The public hearing, meant to provide a platform for community voices, began over two hours late, discouraging participation. Many residents reported that their written submissions and attendance signatures were not collected, and the session ended abruptly, leaving key stakeholders unheard. No official records or minutes of the meeting were shared, raising doubts about the legitimacy of the process.
If approved, the Bawana WTE plant will incinerate 3,000 tons of unsegregated waste daily, releasing hazardous pollutants like dioxins and furans. These toxins are linked to severe health issues, including cancer, respiratory diseases, and developmental disorders in children. Delhi already has four WTE plants emitting pollutants at levels far above safety limits, contributing to its dire air quality.
Imploring the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to act quickly, Jhatkaa.org, a digital campaigning and advocacy organisation, launched an urgent signature campaign. Over 500 citizens have joined this campaign.
The signature petition calls on the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and Municipal Corporation of Delhi to consider the following:
- Scrap the proposed Bawana WTE incineration project and focus on sustainable waste management solutions.
- Halt the expansion of WTE plants in Delhi-NCR to prevent further environmental and health damage.
- Conduct a comprehensive study on the impacts of WTE plants on Delhi’s air quality and public health, with results made publicly available.
- Prioritize systemic waste management transformations, including waste segregation at the source, restricting non-essential plastics, and decentralized processing.
Here is the link to the petition- https://action.jhatkaa.org/nkEbx
About Jhatkaa.org
Jhatkaa.org is a digital campaigning organization that mobilises citizens and empowers them to use technology for a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable India.
Feel free to reach out on adharika@jhatkaa.org or on 9717507304 for more information or any clarifications.
Sources:
- IIT-Madras research explains poor visibility in Delhi.
- DPCC to begin another waste-to-energy plant in Bawana amid locals’ opposition over air pollution
- CPCB inspection report of the WTEs in Delhi