Thiruvananthapuram: The residents of
Peringammala have begun a campaign against the waste-to-power treatment plant proposed by the state government in the
district agriculture farm in the area.
Interestingly, a few kilometres away from Peringammala, a biomedical
waste treatment plant of IMA was proposed at Palode. Later, IMA had to withdraw from the project after the residents strengthened their protest against the plant, proposed in an ecological-sensitive area.
The project in Peringammala came to the limelight after electricity minister M M Mani answered a question in the assembly regarding proposals for waste-to-power treatment plants. The statement presented in the assembly by minister, says that in the first phase, waste-treatment plants will be constructed in Peringammala in Thiruvananthapuram, Karipuzha in Kollam, Laloor in Thrissur, Kanjikode in Palakkad, Panakkad in Malappuram and Chelora in Kannur.
The plant is proposed to be set up in 15 acres in district agriculture farm. Around 200 people are living in the tribal settlement near the area proposed for the plant. Also
Chittar River flows near to the farm.
A member of the panchayat, who preferred anonymity said that the project will contaminate the only water resource in the area. “The water scarcity experienced in 10 wards will worsen, if the project is implemented. Also, the area is rich in medicinal plants and wild animals are frequently spotted, as it is located near the reserve forest. Such a project will adversely affect the natural habitat,” said the panchayat member.
An action council against the waste treatment plant has been formed by the residents of Peringammala, which has announced that they will strengthen their protest activities from Sunday. A signature campaign has been started requesting government to withdraw the project.
Apart from the ecological factor, the project will be a threat to people employed in the agricultural farm and banana nursery, under agriculture department.
“Most waste treatment plants are proposed in 7 to 10 acres of land located within the city corporation limits. How can one suggest an
ecologically sensitive area for such a project. Seventy five permanent staff, 100 casual labourers and 15 daily wage labourers are working in the agricultural farm and hundred others in the banana nursery. All of them will lose their jobs,” said Nizar Muhamed Sulfi, chairman of the action council.
Meanwhile, MLA DK Murali said that he is yet to study the project. “I came to know about the project, only when the minister mentioned about it in the assembly. I am yet to check the details of the project, but have informed the industries minister about the apprehension of people regarding this project,” said Murali.