Kochi: Experts vary on the technology of the modern waste-to-energy plant at Brahmapuram that the previous UDF government approved, and the new dispensation now wants to review it.
Top sources at local self-government department said the government was checking all aspects, and it is not in a hurry to implement the project.
There are doubts over the track record and credibility of the UK-based company with which the Kochi Corporation had signed an agreement to set up the plant.
The UDF government had decided to approve the method based on the recommendation of RVG Menon committee entrusted with the task of studying advanced waste management technologies available.
“However, even Mr Menon has termed the incineration of non-segregated municipal waste as infeasible. The previous government has tweaked the RVG Menon panel report to get the project proposal passed,” alleged Dr C.M. Joy, an environmental activist.
“The technology is yet to be proved successful, especially in areas like Kochi where the moisture content in waste is very high. There are also doubts whether the civic body will be able to ensure 300 tonnes of garbage per day. The project will end up in wasting a huge amount of public money,” he said.
Meanwhile, a section of civic experts remarks that if the current system of segregating waste at source stopped, it would have severe impacts.
“It took a long time to nurture a practice of segregating garbage among the public. Since the new plant doesn’t require segregation, residents will go back to mixing all kinds of municipal waste,” said a civic official.
The plant, at an estimated cost of Rs 350 crore, would be capable of processing 500 tonnes of waste daily. The corporation has to ensure availability of 300 tonnes of garbage.
It has been pointed out that unrealistic conditions such as paying a fine for not supplying required tonnage of waste would leave a severe strain on its exchequer.
If dropped, the civic body will have to find alternative options as the existing facility at Brahmapuram is in dire straits.
