In 2013, Essel Pallavapuram and Tambaram MSW Private Ltd (EPTMPL) took over the Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Management project from the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board, to facilitate a scientific closure of the dumping grounds at Ganapathypuram and Kannadapalayam, within a period of 20 years. As part of this ambitious project, a waste-to-energy plant was established at Venkatamangalam. Pegged at ₹99 crores (approximately), the project also received around ₹20 crores from the government.
According to M. Pandi, Infra En Consultant of EPTMPL, on an average, solid waste from the municipalities of Pallavaram, Tambaram, Sembakkam, Pammal and Anakaputhur, amounted to around 300 metric tonnes per day.
The plant, which is located 20 km from Tambaram, processes the waste to generate organic compost as well as Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), which can be used to generate electricity.
According to the EPTMPL officials, as of April 2017, the plant has generated 57 tonnes of compost and 166 tonnes of RDF.
Until around six months ago, the compost was distributed to individuals with a rooftop garden, free of cost.
Currently, it is sold at an extremely nominal price of ₹2.50 per kilo, to promote organic farming.
Those who wish to procure low-cost organic manure, can contact M. Pandi at 9443159162.
