Residents Protest Against Jindal Group's Waste-to-Energy Plant in Delhi

Strategic Insights -

Residents of Sanoth village in northwest Delhi's Bawana have alleged that the Jindal Group obtained environmental clearance for its 30-megawatt waste-to-energy plant through "false and misleading information". The plant, which is set to process 3,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day, has been met with strong opposition from local residents who claim that it will worsen air quality and jeopardize their health. The National Green Tribunal has listed the matter for hearing on November 19.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Jindal Group's waste-to-energy plant in Bawana is set to process 3,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day using refuse-derived fuel (RDF) incineration technology.
  • Residents of Sanoth village have alleged that the Centre's environmental clearance for the plant was obtained through "false and misleading information".
  • The plant site lies within 500 meters of dense human habitation, including JJ Colony, DDA Flats in Narela, and Bawana Sector 2, violating guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board in 2019.
  • Residents have been holding a sit-in protest against the project since December last year, citing concerns over air quality and health impacts.
  • The public hearing for the project on December 27, 2024, did not comply with the requirements of the EIA Notification 2006 and overlooked strong public opposition.
  • The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification, issued in 2006, laid down a four-stage process of obtaining prior environmental clearance for all new projects.
  • The area is one of 13 air-pollution hotspots identified by the Delhi government, with existing WTE plants and other red-category industries contributing to local pollution.
  • WTE plants burn municipal waste to generate heat and electricity, releasing hazardous pollutants such as dioxins and furans, nitrogen and sulphur oxides, particulate matter, and heavy metals.

Statistics:

  • 3,000 tonnes: The amount of municipal solid waste to be processed per day by the Jindal Group's waste-to-energy plant.
  • 500 meters: The distance between the plant site and dense human habitation, including JJ Colony, DDA Flats in Narela, and Bawana Sector 2.
  • 13: The number of air-pollution hotspots identified by the Delhi government, with Bawana being one of them.
  • 2006: The year the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification was issued, laying down a four-stage process of obtaining prior environmental clearance for all new projects.
  • 15 acres: The plot size of the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) industrial area in Bawana where the plant is located.
  • 30 MW: The capacity of the Jindal Group's waste-to-energy plant.

Sources:

  • The Indian Express (P) Ltd Copyright 2025 IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd., distributed by Contify.com