Residents Push for End to Waste-to-Energy Project

Residents are calling on the State government to stop the waste-to-energy project in Kodungaiyur and close the nearby dumpyard. They also want action taken to address civic issues in Perambur, the constituency of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

The residents propose that the 352-acre dumpyard be used for eco-friendly projects instead. After Mr. Vijay was given control over Municipal Administration, locals began discussing with TVK party leaders who had protested against the project earlier.

Residents also want the dumpyard closed after biomining is completed in a few months. T.K. Shanmugham, head of the Federation of North Chennai Residents Welfare Associations, said they plan to meet the Chief Minister to explain how the dumpyard has caused problems for Perambur residents.

Mr. Shanmugham explained that the waste-to-energy project, part of the DMK manifesto, has been opposed by locals due to health concerns. During the election campaign, residents organized a human chain against the plant. They also informed Health Minister K.G. Arunraj about their opposition.

A. Francis, president of the Federation of Thoraipakkam Residents’ Welfare Associations, said south Chennai residents are also demanding the closure of the Perungudi dumpyard and protection of the Pallikaranai marshland. He highlighted that many homes, IT companies, schools, and hospitals are near the dumpyard, making its pollution a serious issue.

K. Pandurangan, vice president of Thoraipakkam Anand Nagar Vinayaga Nagar Owners’ Welfare Association, pointed out that the bad smell from Perungudi and polluted groundwater have harmed public health. He urged the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to stop waste dumping and manage solid waste properly.

Chennai Corporation Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran reported that 37 lakh tonnes of waste have been processed at Kodungaiyur, out of a total of 66 lakh tonnes. However, civic body engineers stress the need for better waste management facilities in both Kodungaiyur and Perungudi, advising against handing over land for eco-restoration.

With the Chief Minister now heading Municipal Administration, residents hope for creative solutions to their waste management problems.