Why UP Wants Galand Villagers to Visit Indore for Waste Management Insights

UV INDIA NEWS: The state government has suggested that villagers from Galand, who have opposed establishing a waste treatment plant in their area for several years, should visit similar facilities in cities like Indore and Delhi. The aim is to demonstrate the benefits of generating energy from waste and how such projects contribute to a cleaner environment.

The proposed waste-to-energy plant in Galand, initially planned in 2018, has faced a six-year delay due to persistent protests from residents. Officials have arranged for videos demonstrating the plant's operations and environmental benefits to address their concerns. Similar plants are successfully operating in cities like Indore, Ghazipur, and Bhubaneswar, highlighting the potential positive impact on waste management.

The waste plant, located on 44 acres in Galand, Hapur, is designed to generate 50 MW of power by processing approximately 1,400 metric tonnes of daily solid waste from Ghaziabad. In 2020, the Ghaziabad Development Authority allocated land for the plant, but protests have stalled progress. Despite efforts by the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC) to erect a boundary wall in 2021, opposition from local farmers and villagers led to the wall's demolition.

GMC officials believe visiting operational plants in Indore and other cities could help villagers understand the project's benefits and dispel concerns about potential negative impacts. They also noted that the project aims to address Ghaziabad's daily waste processing needs, which are currently met by a site on the pipeline road, after shifting from Morta due to resistance from nearby educational institutions.

The government hopes that educating the villagers on waste-to-energy technology will renew support for the project, enabling Ghaziabad to manage its waste effectively and generate renewable energy.