Shimla, January 28, 2025 — In a distressing recurrence, the Bharyal Waste to Energy Treatment Plant has been engulfed in flames for the third time, spewing toxic fumes over nearby villages in the city and raising serious concerns about the Shimla Municipal Corporation's (SMC) oversight and management.
The latest blaze not only endangers the health of local residents but also underscores a pattern of negligence that has plagued the facility for years. The plant, envisioned as a solution to Shimla's waste woes, has instead become a persistent hazard.
A Troubled History
The Bharyal plant's troubles are not new. In June 2019, a significant fire destroyed several dumpers and a substantial quantity of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) stored for electricity generation. SMC officials, including then-Mayor Kusum Sadret and Municipal Commissioner inspected the site and ruled out foul play, asserting that the fire was under control.
However, the incident highlighted glaring vulnerabilities in the plant's operations.
Earlier, in February 2016, the SMC lodged an FIR following another fire at the plant.
Despite deploying multiple fire tenders, the cause of the blaze remained undetermined, reflecting a troubling lack of accountability.
In March 2017, the SMC announced plans to transform Shimla into India's first hill station to generate electricity from solid waste.
The Bharyal plant was slated to produce 1.7 to 2 megawatts of electricity by processing 50-60 metric tons of waste daily.
However, these ambitions have been marred by repeated fires and operational failures, turning the plant into a symbol of unfulfilled promises.
Health and Environmental Hazards
The recurring fires have led to the emission of noxious gases, posing severe health risks to residents in surrounding areas.
The SMC's repeated assurances have done little to alleviate the suffering of these communities, who continue to bear the brunt of administrative apathy.
A Call for Accountability
The third fire at the Bharyal Waste Treatment Plant is not just an unfortunate incident; it is a glaring indictment of the SMC's persistent negligence.
The corporation's failure to implement effective safety measures and its inability to learn from past mistakes demand immediate accountability.
Residents and concerned citizens demand a thorough investigation into the plant's operations, the establishment of stringent safety protocols, and a complete overhaul of the facility's management.
The time for complacency has long passed. The SMC must act now to prevent further disasters and restore public trust in its ability to manage the city's waste responsibly.
