Claims and counter claims on waste-to-energy plant

GJ Eco Power, the company which is all set to begin construction of the waste-to-energy plant at Brahmapuram, has claimed that the gasification technology which will be used for the project is one of the most sophisticated technologies used in Europe to generate electricity from waste.

The company officials, in a communication, claimed that municipal solid waste could be processed with minimal environmental impact by engaging the technology. The technology was selected on the basis of background studies and research, they said.

The waste-to-energy plant, according to its proponents, is a safe project which will not cause environmental pollution.

At the same time, social organisations like the Kerala Sasthra Sahitya Parishad felt that the plant would not be an economically viable proposition, and that it would end up being an environmental disaster. Several scientists and institutions have come out against the plant, drawing attention to a statement issued by the Ernakulam district committee of the Parishad.

A large number of people have gone in for household management of waste. Several residents have started using manure generated from garbage for kitchen garden. Going for a waste treatment plant will reverse such trends, the statement had said.

A political party which has declared decentralised waste management as its motto and its Chief Minister should not go for the plant, according to the statement.