DyCM hints at waste to energy plants to avoid landfills

As an alternative solution for landfills, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara has asked the BBMP officials to accelerate the work of setting up waste to energy (WTE) plants.

Ten days ago, the minister had said the Bellahalli quarry would be shut in three months. With two landfills of the city filling up fast, he is finding the WTE plants as an alternative solution.

Parameshwara, who is also the Bangalore Development Minister, held a meeting with the BBMP officials along with the heads of Sataram Company on Tuesday.

The company has come forward to set up WTE plants at Goruru village near Nelamangala.

Sarfaraz Khan, joint commissioner, health and solid waste management, BBMP, said: “The minister wants to accelerate the work of WTE plant. He does not want us to depend on landfills anymore. The delay in setting up the plant is mainly because of the resistance from the localites.”

“When they (Sataram) began the construction work, the localites had threatened him after which the company had sought police protection,” added Khan.

The company has also been offered to work out WTE model at the existing Kannahalli and Seegehalli plants on an experimental basis.

The company has already set up WTE plants at 14 places across the globe including Chennai, Europe, and Brazil.

"It takes a lot of time to establish a new plant. It is advisable to begin the work at Kannahalli and Seegehalli plants on an experimental basis," said Parameshwara.

He has also assured to pass a cabinet decision on constructing the WTE plants.

Additional Chief Secretary Mahendra Jain and Rakesh Singh, BDA Commissioner were also present in the meeting.