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NEW DELHI:
Delhi moved a step closer to addressing its gargantuan problem of solid waste disposal with the laying of the foundation stone of the first-of-its-kind Rs.200 crore plant at Okhla that would not only treat 1950 metric tonnes of solid waste each day but also generate 16 MW power from it in an environment-friendly manner.
Laying the foundation stone, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said this project marked the taking of a big step towards ensuring scientific treatment of municipal waste.Stating that the consumption habits of modern consumers was causing a huge waste problem, Ms. Dikshit said the problem was compounded in Delhi due to paucity of space. Delhi has overfilled its landfill capacities and is finding it difficult to dispose off 7,000 tonnes of municipal waste that is generated daily.
Ms. Dikshit added that generation of energy from waste follows almost a similar process as acquiring energy from fossil fuel. The solid by-product is harmless ash that can be used for various purposes like construction material, tile manufacturing and filling low lying areas. The waste treatment and power generation project is being set up under a public-private partnership between Delhi Government and Jindal Ecopolis.
The project would handle both bio-degradable and non-bio-degradable waste. There will be system in place to segregate hazardous material and recyclables like PVC, metal and glass. The plant will also have advance flue gas control systems to take care of dioxins, furons, sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides besides other gases and particulate matter. The fly ash or bottom ash generated by the power plant will also be utilised for tile and brick making.
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