Villagers in Vellakalpatti oppose waste-to-energy project during land inspection by Salem Mayor, councillors
Villagers in Vellakalpatti protested against a proposed waste-to-energy project during a land inspection by the Salem Mayor. Despite the project being rejected by the local council, it was announced by the Chief Minister under a special rule, leading to threats of a hunger strike by local officials and residents.
Why it matters
Highlights the tension between local governance and state-level mandates regarding environmental and waste management infrastructure.
Villagers in and around Vellakalpatti picketed the Salem Mayor A. Ramachandran and councillors who went to inspect the land allocated to implement the waste-to-energy project here on Tuesday (September 29, 2026).
On Tuesday, the Mayor and councillors from DMK and VCK went to Vellakalpatti village for land inspection. Villagers, who were made aware of the visit, raised slogans against the waste-to-energy project. Later, they questioned the Mayor and councillors for establishing the project.
Addressing their concerns, the Mayor said that the agenda brought to establish the waste-to-energy project was rejected in the council meeting. However, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced the project under 110 rule in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. The Mayor assured that they will not allow this project and will take all steps, including meeting the Tamil Nadu Governor, to stop the project.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in