The proposed Waste Treatment Plant at Kalapather in Chas stuck in political battles as politicians, ex-minister and local MLA have come to support or oppose the plant.
With an estimated cost of Rs 225 core, the unit is proposed to come-up at Kalapathar by the end of 2019. The tender for construction work was scheduled to be open on 10 December but was deferred due to protest.
The plant is proposed on 10 acre of government’s land near Kalapathar village but the locals are against it, their demonstrations are still on. Former minister (in joint Bihar) Samaresh Singh and Bokaro MLA Biranchi Narayan are also with the villagers and supporting their protest. Talking with the villagers Narayan promised them that the unit will not come up at that site, he assured them to shift the unit site in the Bokaro Township Area.
Meanwhile, several other politicians mostly belonging to the Congress party want that the unit must be come-up at Kalapathar.
Development of the village, as well as surroundings, would be disrupted by such cheap political games, said Anil Singh a Congress leader while addressing to the media persons at his office.
“The MLA and politicians are playing a political game, provoking the locals against the plant only for their self-gain and not for the development of the villagers. The MLA is against this plant since from the beginning,” alleged Bholu Paswan Mayor Chas Municipal Corporation (CMC).
The Mayor said, this is the only illusion among the villagers that this treatment plant is hazardous for their health. Such types of plants are running successfully across the country and soon to become up at Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Deoghar and Dhanbad districts in Jharkhand, he said.
This unit will prove a boon for the locals; give a strong boost towards development. At least 10,000 youths will get employment (directly and indirectly) when the plant starts functioning, he said.
Very soon we will schedule a meeting with the villagers to eliminate their illusions. We will also try to make them aware about the benefits of the unit, said Mayor.
“About 60 tonnes of waste is proposed to be processed at this unit every day. After separating the solid wastes organic fertilizer will be produced while we have a plan to prepare bricks from the solid waste which will be used in making roads and other works,” he added.
“The unit would be erected with an investment of Rs 21 Crore and the company who will get the tender, will manage the plant for next 20 years, he said adding “CMC will provide Rs 204 core funds to the company to manage the plant.”