Chennai Residents Demand Closure of Dump Yards and Cancellation of Waste-to-Energy Projects

Residents in Chennai, India, are intensifying their demands for the State government to close major dump yards and shelve proposed waste-to-energy projects due to severe civic and health concerns. In North Chennai, T.K. Shanmugham, president of the Federation of North Chennai Residents Welfare Associations, announced that residents plan to meet Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. They oppose the Kodungaiyur waste-to-energy plant, citing public health risks in the Perambur constituency, despite it being part of the ruling DMK party's election manifesto. Previous protests, including a human chain, have already been organized. Simultaneously, in South Chennai, A. Francis of the Federation of Thoraipakkam Residents’ Welfare Associations called for the closure of the Perungudi dumpyard following biomining completion. Residents highlight intense foul odors, groundwater pollution, and deteriorating public health near the site, which is adjacent to residential areas, IT companies, and educational institutions. They also urge the restoration of the nearby Pallikaranai marshland, a protected Ramsar site. The Chennai Corporation has been urged to halt all solid waste management activities at these locations to mitigate environmental damage and protect community well-being.