PMK MLA Sowmiya Anbumani inspecting the location of the planned WTE plant in Salem on Saturday. | Photo Credit: E. LAKSHMI NARAYANAN

Sowmiya Anbumani, floor leader of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) in the Assembly, alleged on Saturday that officials were misguiding Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay regarding projects that affect the environment. She inspected the land at Jagir Ammapalayam in Salem Corporation, where a waste-to-energy (WTE) project has been proposed. Speaking to reporters, she said dumping garbage at a place was not solid waste management. “During the previous DMK regime, the 92-acre land for the WTE project was identified. The project is continuing under the TVK-led government with a different name. The officials allegedly misled the Chief Minister by presenting details of the old project, which led to the Chief Minister announcing this new project in the Assembly under Rule 110,” she said. Ms. Sowmiya alleged that the project was dangerous to the environment, and people were opposing it. “Compared to other power production projects, this waste-to-energy project will emit a higher level of chemicals. Salem has magnesite, which is of the highest quality in South Asia. This project will affect the air and groundwater in Salem. The ash emitted from this project will cause cancer. To generate 10 megawatts of electricity, the health of 15 lakh people should not be put at risk. The PMK and Pasumai Thaayagam will oppose this project,” she said. Stating that the Salem Corporation should identify bulk waste generators, Ms. Sowmiya said that as per Supreme Court guidelines, bulk waste generators should manage the waste they generate. “Likewise, previous verdicts of the Supreme Court mandated that projects should not be implemented in the places with natural resources. The land proposed for the WTE project has magnesite resources worth ₹3,000 crore,” she said, adding: “When I meet the Chief Minister next, I will urge him to implement a people-friendly project.”

Published - October 24, 2026 11:09 pm IST