Thiruvananthapuram: Local self-government minister A.C. Moideen told the Assembly on Wednesday that the concerns of local people regarding the waste to energy plant proposed at Peringamala on the outskirts of the district were baseless.
Replying to a submission of D.K. Muarli MLA, the minister said that the plant would be set up only after obtaining the man-datory environmental clearances and it would be meeting all pollution norms.
Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, who earlier visited the proposed project site, said that the local people were up in arms against the project and hence the project would not materialise as it posed serious threats to the ecology of the western ghats. He also demanded that the minister should visit the area and look into the grievances of the people.
Mr. Moideen said that the seven waste to energy plants being initiated by the government in various districts were a major step in addressing the waste management issue of the state. The first plant is likely to be commissioned in Kozhikode. It would help allying the concerns of the people about the plant.
He said that the 15 acres of land of the agricultural farm at Peringamala was found to be the ideal location for the project in the district.
The plant would be meeting the waste management norms of the pollution control boards as well the munciapality laws. Also environment clearances need to be obtained for setting up the plant. The waste will be collected in separate bins and will be transported to the plant in closed vehicles. The government would be taking steps to create awareness among the people, said Mr. Moideen.
Presenting the notice Mr. Murali said that the bitter experiences of the people over the Vilappilsala waste treatment plant was the major reason for the concerns of the people of Peringamala over the upcoming plant.
