Sangli Waste-to-Energy Plant Closed Amid Pollution Protests
A 10MW waste-to-energy facility in Sangli, Maharashtra, has been shut down following community protests over pollution concerns.
The Bhumi Green Energy plant was closed on September 23, 2026, due to health and environmental complaints.
A fact-finding report highlighted severe failures in pollution control and wastewater management.
Activists are advocating for a nationwide ban on waste-to-energy incineration.
A waste-to-energy incineration facility in Sangli, Maharashtra, has been shut down after local residents protested against its alleged pollution and adverse effects on health and agriculture. The Bhumi Green Energy plant, which has a capacity of 10 megawatts, faced significant opposition from the community, prompting officials to close it on September 23, 2026, following a joint investigation by environmental groups.
The closure stems from a fact-finding report by organizations including Paryavaran Rakshan Samiti Sangli and the National Alliance for Climate and Ecological Justice. The report accused the plant of failing to meet environmental standards, particularly in pollution control, wastewater treatment, and ash disposal. It noted that the facility's secondary combustion chamber operated at only 230°C, far below the required 950°C, raising alarms about harmful emissions.
The investigation revealed that the plant's effluent treatment system was non-operational, leading to untreated wastewater contaminating local streams. Additionally, air pollution control measures were reportedly ineffective, with heavy smoke escaping from the facility. The report criticized the lack of data transmission to regulatory bodies, which is essential for monitoring emissions.
The implications of this closure extend beyond Sangli, as it reflects broader issues with waste-to-energy plants across India. Activists pointed to similar problems at facilities in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of waste management policies. They argue that the reliance on incineration is flawed, particularly given the high moisture content and low calorific value of municipal waste in India.
Looking ahead, the environmental groups are calling for a shift in national policy away from incineration and towards reducing waste generation at the source. They advocate for government support to develop more sustainable waste management practices, urging policymakers to address waste as a production issue rather than merely a management challenge.
