Gurgaon residents protest a planned waste-to-energy plant in the city
Gurgaon:
Gurugram is slated to have a new waste-to-energy plant, residents of the city that is among the 10 most polluted cities in the world, according to the World Air Quality Report, are against the government measure.
More than 100 people, including children who are part of the Aravalli Bachao Citizen Movement, protested, saying that the waste-to-energy plant to be built near the Bandhwari landfill will only worsen pollution levels.
“The theme of our campaign is Green vs Black. Adults have come dressed in green clothes to show that our generation has been blessed to enjoy the beauty of nature, while children wear black to signify the dark future they will inherit. . as a result of the next waste-to-energy plant that the government is giving away to its generation, “said Neelam Ahluwalia, a member of the Aravalli Bachao Citizens Group.
The children made street plays against the plant. Neelam Tarushi Agrawal, one of the participants, said: “Our future is black. There are hardly any trees left and pollution levels have increased with each passing day. Our parents’ generation could see vegetation, but we could not.”
Aanya Jain, another student member of the Aravalli Bachao Citizens Group, said: “We live in the most polluted region in the world. The smog is so bad that most children and adolescents suffer from breathing difficulties and allergies of all kinds. Haryana has the lowest forest cover in India, only 3.6 percent. “
The group also sang songs calling on the Chief Minister of Haryana to stop the government’s plan as it will pollute the Aravalli forest, which is the last remaining green lung in the National Capital Region and the critical water recharge zone, and the plant will generate “poisonous emissions and ash.” .
Dhir Singh, a resident of Bandhwari village, said: “Since this landfill came here 10 years ago, it has completely poisoned our groundwater. 50-60 people have died of cancer in our village and many still suffer from this disease and health problems. A waste-to-energy plant will only make things worse. “
Every day, around 2,000 tons of municipal solid waste, including 1,200 tons from Gurugram and 800 tons from Faridabad, are added to the Bandhwari landfill, which already has around 35 lakh of untreated waste.
Dr. Sarika Verma, Gurugram otolaryngologist, said: “Dioxins and furans, generated by WTE plants, are among the most toxic substances known to humans. Inhaling them can lead to respiratory disorders, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer.” .
The Swachh Bharat Guide from the Ministry of Urban Development places waste-to-energy (WTE) and landfills at the bottom of the hierarchy and emphasizes reduction, recycling and composting. If the hierarchy is followed, only 10-20 percent of a city’s non-recyclable and non-compostable waste should go to a WTE plant or landfill.
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