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Chennai Incinerator Shut Down Over Hazardous Heavy Metal Levels in Ash
10 Oct
Summary
- Incinerator ash found to have dangerously high levels of heavy metals
- Cadmium levels 364 times and lead levels 87 times the safe limit
- Incinerator's air pollution control systems found in dilapidated state
On April 2, 2025, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) conducted an inspection of the Greater Chennai Corporation's (GCC) waste incinerator in Manali and found serious violations. Laboratory tests showed that the incinerator bottom ash contained dangerously high levels of heavy metals, with cadmium ranging from 291.6 to 364.5 mg/kg, over 364 times the safe limit of 1.0 mg/kg. Lead levels were also extremely high, between 349.2 and 436.5 mg/kg, about 87 times the acceptable standard.
The plant, which incinerates up to 10 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste daily, was initially issued consent to operate in 2019. However, the TNPCB inspection revealed that the incinerator's air pollution control systems, including the venturi and wet scrubbers, were in a dilapidated state, rendering them ineffective in filtering out harmful emissions. The TNPCB also found that the incinerator ash was being stored on open ground and reportedly sent to the Kodungaiyur dump yard for further processing.
In light of these serious violations, the TNPCB has ordered the GCC to cease operations at the Manali incinerator until the plant applies for a renewal of consent to operate. A follow-up inspection on April 7, 2025, confirmed that the plant remained inactive, but the TNPCB is still awaiting a response from the GCC regarding the renewal application.
