Okhla Waste to Energy Emissions to Face Scrutiny in India

10 January 2012

India's environment secretary, Keshav Chandra, has visited the area where the controversial Okhla waste to energy facility is located in Delhi, India as the government vows to keep a close eye on the facility as it ramps up to full capacity, according to a Times of India report.

"So far, everything seems to be alright and emissions are well within the prescribed limit; but we will try and have information pertaining to emissions made available online so that apprehensions of residents and other parties can be quelled," said Keshav Chandra, environment secretary.

A source is reported to have told the paper that while a very small amount of waste is being incinerated right now, the smoke that is being seen from the chimney is essentially steam.

However, there is some uncertainty as to sure whether emissions would stay under the prescribed norms once the full capacity of the plant is utilised, and there should be intensive monitoring for three months, after which a protocol will be prepared for further monitoring, according to the paper's source.

"Studies have shown that a temperature of 850 degrees Celsius or above is sufficient to ensure that incineration is safe. If that data is available online every 15 minutes or so, it would become easier to ensure that operations are normal. The matter will be taken up with the management soon," the paper's source is reported to have said.

The government's interest in the project stems largely from the massive protests that have greeted the plant.

While not lending the facility its full backing, the government is said to be cautiously promoting the need for the technology as "Delhi is battling with a problem of waste disposal and if this plant is also shut, no other solution is likely in the immediate future".

According to The Times, the Central Pollution Control Board is also carrying out a study to ensure that the technology being used is safe and viable. A report is expected to be submitted by them shortly.


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