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Plan to set up two waste processing factories may be shelved

June 06, 2015 12:00 am | Updated 05:32 am IST - CHENNAI:

The plan to set up new waste processing facilities in Kuthambakkam and Minjur are likely to be shelved.

Following a proposal to use the existing dumpsites in Perungudi and Kodungaiyur by the Chennai Corporation, the State government is likely to drop the plan. The civic body initiated three solid waste management projects, including new waste processing facilities a few years ago. Official sources said the consultant for the new facilities has expressed “unwillingness to continue”. The challenges faced at the new sites, including public litigation, are likely to affect the project implementation.

The civic body identified 99 acres of government land in Kuthambakkam and obtained permission to ‘enter upon’, subject to a condition that alternative land for cattle grazing be earmarked for the villagers. The GO also stressed the need for review of the project in case there was a delay in implementation. After a delay, the civic body in sought relaxation of the government order last year.

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Of the 68.9 acres identified in Minjur-Vallur section, the Tiruvallur district administration gave permission for only 21.77 acres. Over 41 acres of temple land is still a bone of contention, permission for which is awaited.

NGT disposes of case

Residents in Kuthambakkam opposed the project. Following the filing of a case by them in the National Green Tribunal on May 10, 2013, the NGT disposed of the case on February 20, 2014, giving liberty to the applicant to raise their “grievances at the appropriate time before the appropriate forum.”

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The residents of Minjur-Vallur have also opposed the project, making representations to the Mayor, filing a public interest litigation objection to the project “near a temple.”

In December 24, 2014, the civic body sent a proposal to government for declaring Kuthambakkam as an alternative site for Perungudi dump yard, and Minjur-Vallur as an alternative for Kodungaiyur. Now, the delay in finalising land and “open technology options” are likely to lead to shelving of the proposal. The Corporation will explore the possibility of using land in existing dumpsites for such projects.

Residents oppose the project; facilities at Perungudi and Kodungaiyur to be used

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