The civic body has decided to set up a bio-methanation plant at the Athipet dumping yard in Ambattur, in association with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
The project, meant to produce energy from waste accumulated from restaurants and apartments in zones 6, 7 and 8 (Thiru-Va-Ka Nagar, Ambattur and Anna Nagar), has, however, met with some resistance from councillors.
P.V. Tamilselvan, councillor of ward 91, said the dumping yard has long been a bone of contention for residents in the area. “There are heaps of nearly 40 feet of garbage already dumped in the area. This project will only bring more garbage from other places,” he said at the Corporation council meet on Friday.
Mayor Saidai Duraisamy said the garbage brought in would be used purely to feed the bio-methanation plant and would not be dumped there.
“More garbage will not be dumped at the yard. It will only be used to produce energy,” he said.
Residents of the area, however, are sceptical. According to P. Paulraj of Chelliamman Nagar, ICF Colony, residents in the vicinity of the dumping yard have been protesting against its location for a long time, saying it spreads diseases.
“We object to this project because we are wary of more garbage being brought in. What if the Corporation does not follow through with the set-up or if it does not work? Garbage will only accumulate,” said Mr. Paulraj.
The Corporation had earlier identified a burial ground in Vanagaram for the bio-methanation plant but dropped the plan due to inadequate space.
According to Daniel Chellappa, senior scientist, technical coordination wing, BARC, the plant will be able to handle three tonnes of waste every day.
“The Corporation is looking at routing waste from bulk generators like bazaars, fish markets and residential schools and colleges for this plant. It will be capable of producing 300 units of electricity per day and will also produce 250-300 kg of organic manure,” he said.
The Corporation has already worked with BARC to erect a bio-methanation plant in Pulianthope, which is completed.
“We are also setting up plants in Otteri. It is about halfway completed. Work on a similar plant in Velangadu has just started,” said Mr. Chellappa.
The Mayor has said garbage will be brought in purely to feed the bio-methanation plant and it will not be dumped at the yard
