Delhi government has revived the proposal to convert the Rajghat power plant, shut since last year for being a major source of Delhi's air pollution, into a waste-to-energy plant.
The proposal received the consent of the three BJP-run municipal bodies during the second meeting of the inter- ministerial task force on air pollution and solid waste management here today.
If things go as per plan, the proposed waste-to-energy plant will have the capacity to process 4,000 MTD (Metric Tonnes Daily) of solid waste. Delhi produces around 10,000 MTD, Power Minister Satyendar Jain told reporters here.
"The current processing capacity of waste in the city is around 5,000 MTD. Around 50 per cent of the waste is not being processed. Converting the shut plant into waste-to-energy seems to be a solution," Jain said.
Currently, two such plants in Ghazipur and Okhla produces around 12 and 16 MW of electricity respectively. Another 1,550 MTD capacity plant in Bawana is stuck due to disagreement in revenue sharing between the North MCD and the private contractor.
Such processing plants have also been opposed by environmentalists and local residents for "affecting" health. As per Solid Waste Management Rules, they also have to be located at least six km from residential colonies.
"The only viable option is converting the Rajghat power plant to waste-to-energy plant as the location is ideal. The three MCDs have agreed and it will be able to process 4,000 tonnes of waste daily," Jain said.
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