In a ground-breaking stride towards environmental sustainability, Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal jointly unveiled Delhi’s inaugural plant designed to tackle the residual by-products of waste-to-energy conversion units.
Located in the strategic precincts of south-east Delhi’s Tehkhand, this avant-garde facility is poised to process a staggering 9.65 lakh tonnes of residue annually, obviating the inherent environmental risks posed by conventional disposal methods. Distinguished by its pioneering approach, the plant boasts a sophisticated purification system adept at neutralising toxins, thereby safeguarding against soil and groundwater contamination. The residual material, post-treatment, emerges as a viable resource for road construction, aligning seamlessly with the principles of circular economy. Integral to the plant’s operational prowess is its capability to effectively manage leachate, a pernicious liquid by-product originating from rainwater percolation through landfill waste. Employing state-of-the-art methodology, the residue is methodically stored in designated 7.5-foot-deep, 3.5-metre-wide receptacles before undergoing the rigorous treatment regimen.
The genesis of this transformative initiative can be traced back to the approval accorded in September 2021, culminating in the realisation of a visionary project, underwritten by an investment totalling ₹42.31 crore. Spanning an expansive terrain of 15.47 acres, the funding structure reflects a judicious collaboration between the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Central Government, and the Delhi Government, contributing 53.3%, 35%, and 11.7% respectively. With its inauguration, this landmark facility not only underscores Delhi’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship but also heralds a paradigm shift in waste management practices, poised to inspire emulation on a global scale.
