GCC Begins Kodungaiyur Waste-To-Energy Plant Work Despite Resident Protests

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has commenced civil work for a proposed waste-to-energy plant in Kodungaiyur, North Chennai, despite ongoing opposition from local residents. The civic body recently started levelling work and load testing at the site, with the project's commissioning timeline now pushed back by approximately two years.

According to a corporation official from the solid waste management department, the current levelling and load testing are being conducted as a preliminary step before piling works can begin. The GCC had previously announced in 2024 that the plant would begin operations in early 2026. However, various factors have delayed the project, including election-related work, persistent public opposition, and delayed shipments of key equipment.

Another corporation official noted that the arrival of critical machinery for the project from Japan has been delayed due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. These cumulative delays mean the project is now expected to take another two years to complete.

Meanwhile, North Chennai residents have renewed their protests against the project, raising serious health-related concerns. Members of the Federation of North Chennai Residents Welfare Association (FNCRWA) pointed out that existing local waste facilities have a track record of regulatory failures. They cited the 10-tonne capacity incineration plant in Manali and the 50 MT capacity incineration plant in Kodungaiyur, both of which were found with multiple violations.

These violations, which created health hazards for the local population, led the FNCRWA to flag the issues, resulting in the suspension of operations at both plants. Residents argue that since authorities struggled to monitor these smaller facilities, they will lack the capacity to oversee a much larger waste-to-energy plant.

FNCRWA president TK Shanmugam stated that the association has already met with the GCC commissioner to demand the immediate withdrawal of the project. The federation plans to meet with CM C Joseph Vijay within July to press their demands. Shanmugam warned that if the government continues with the plant's construction, it will trigger a widespread people's movement.