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WTE Ash Dumping: Delhi Plant Under Fire
6 Feb
Summary
- Tehkhand WTE recycles 100% of fly and bottom ash.
- Okhla WTE only utilizes 20-40% of its ash.
- NGT seeks explanation for ash dumping instead of reuse.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has reported to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding ash management at its Waste to Energy (WTE) facilities. Tehkhand WTE plant achieves 100% recycling of fly and bottom ash, utilizing it for paver blocks and road construction. This includes a six-lane highway project nearing completion.
However, the Okhla WTE plant's ash utilization is significantly lower, between 20% and 40%. The remaining ash and inert materials are being transported to the Tehkhand landfill. The MCD is now implementing additional charges for dumping fly ash to discourage this practice.
In May 2024, the NGT initiated a review, questioning the disposal of WTE-generated ash at the Tehkhand landfill. The tribunal sought explanations on why ash is being dumped when it could be used for landfilling in low-lying areas or as construction material for bricks and tiles.
The MCD stated in a February 3 affidavit that the Tehkhand plant generates approximately 28 metric tons of fly ash and 181 metric tons of bottom ash daily. The Okhla plant produces about 45 MT of fly ash and 137 MT of bottom ash daily.
