The proposed Jindal Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plant at Narela-Bawana, Delhi, has sparked significant criticism for alleged violations of environmental, legal, and procedural norms ahead of its public hearing. Scheduled for December 27, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the hearing is set to witness strong opposition from stakeholders concerned about the plant’s potential environmental impact and its role in worsening Delhi’s pollution crisis.
Envisioned as a 30 MW Waste-to-Energy facility adjacent to the Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) for hazardous waste in Sector 5, Bawana, the plant comes with a proposed capital cost of Rs. 660 crore. Critics argue that rather than mitigating the city’s waste management issues, the project could exacerbate them. The proposed location at Narela already suffers from severe pollution, with air quality data from all eight AAQ (Ambient Air Quality) sampling locations showing PM2.5 and PM10 values exceeding permissible limits of 60 µg/m³ and 100 µg/m³, respectively. This indicates that the area lacks the capacity to handle additional particulate matter.
The project’s approval also highlights failures in adhering to Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules. SWM Rules 2000 and 2016 mandated the establishment of engineered sanitary landfills by specific deadlines. However, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has not met these statutory responsibilities over the past decade. Instead, the MCD has allowed the disposal of waste from the WTE plant at the Bhalswa landfill, an unengineered site that has already exceeded its capacity. This raises concerns about the project’s environmental sustainability, particularly as it lacks provisions for scientific landfill management of ash and inert materials, which could lead to soil and groundwater contamination.
The plant’s design reportedly omits a pre-processing unit for handling Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) with high calorific value, potentially compromising efficiency and exacerbating municipal solid waste (MSW) mismanagement. Additionally, the proposed levelized tariff of Rs. 7.38 per kWh has been criticized as economically unviable, being significantly higher than tariffs for comparable WTE projects. This could impose undue financial strain on distribution companies (DISCOMs) and consumers. Moreover, the bidding process, approved by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC), has faced legal challenges. The Appellate Tribunal of Electricity (APTEL) set aside the DERC order in August 2023. Allegations suggest that the project proponent failed to disclose this development to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) before securing Terms of Reference (ToR), further undermining the project’s legitimacy.
A report by The New York Times detailed shortcomings in Jindal’s previous waste management projects, including inadequate waste segregation, unscientific practices, and poor emission controls. Investigations revealed alarming levels of pollutants, such as heavy metals and particulate matter, in air and soil samples from the vicinity of Jindal’s operations. The project has also been accused of non-compliance with SWM Rules, 2016, and National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives. Critics argue that the RFP fails to address key requirements such as engineered sanitary landfills and waste segregation, compounding Delhi’s waste management crisis.
The public hearing process has faced criticism for inadequate stakeholder engagement and a lack of transparency regarding critical project details. Environmentalists and civic groups have demanded a halt to the hearing until legal and procedural ambiguities are resolved. Key demands include a thorough review of the project’s compliance with environmental and legal norms, transparent engagement with stakeholders to address community concerns, and adoption of best practices in WTE technology to minimize environmental harm.
The proposed Jindal WTE plant underscores the need for stricter oversight of large-scale waste management projects. Experts warn that the project’s high costs, insufficient infrastructure, and non-compliance with established norms could set a dangerous precedent for future WTE initiatives in India. With Delhi already grappling with severe air pollution and overflowing landfills, the addition of a high-risk project could worsen the city’s environmental challenges.
Environmentalists, civic groups, and regulatory bodies must ensure that the project adheres to environmental and legal standards. Transparency, community involvement, and a commitment to sustainable waste management practices are crucial to addressing Delhi’s pollution crisis effectively. The outcome of this contentious process will likely shape the future trajectory of waste-to-energy projects in India, emphasizing the importance of compliance and public accountability.
