The New Indian Express 06.09.2010
Biogas plants pose threat to locals
KOCHI: The lakhs of rupees spent by the Kochi Corporation to set up biogas plants in the city have gone down the drain as the majority of them are inoperative. Blame it on the negligence of the authorities or the inefficiency in managing these plants, these non-operative plants are causing hardships to residents in the areas where they are located.The biogas plants at Ernakulam Market, Ayurveda Hospital compound at Fort Kochi Veli, behind the Pallathu Raman open air theatre, near the Corporation office at Edappally and at the Kaloor slaughterhouse are in a dilapidated condition.
Meanwhile, the biogas plant at Ravipuram exploded last year when it got overloaded with gas. “Of the 15 plants set up in and around the city to treat biodegradable waste and generate electricity, eight are not functioning due to poor maintenance and supervision,” said Kochi Corporation development standing committee chairman K J Sohan.
It is not only a matter of concern for those living within the Corporation limits. The biogas plant set up by the panchayat authorities in the fish market at Maradu is also posing a threat due to gas overload. Though the construction of the plant was completed two years ago, it has not been officially inaugurated. The pits were filled with cow dung during its construction and the biogas generated in the last two years is a threat as the plant may explode any time due to its pressure.
However, the authorities have not taken any action. “We invested a lot for its construction and we don’t have any more funds to run it,” said panchayat president K A Devassy.
The political rivalry between the panchayat authorities and the ward member is a reason for the present condition of the plant. They blame each other for its failure, sources said.
The waste management plant at Nettoor vegetable market, which converts biodegradable waste into manure, is also in a dilapidated state. Overloading is yet another factor that affected the smooth functioning of these plants. We can hope the authorities will soon put in place a proper mechanism to operate these plants.
