TFP Bureau, Raipur, January 17, 2025: In a groundbreaking move aimed at achieving a clean environment and net zero emissions, Chhattisgarh has initiated a major project for the production of compressed biogas (CBG) from urban solid waste. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai hailed the initiative during the signing of a historic tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chhattisgarh Biofuel Development Authority (CBDA), GAIL India Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and six municipal corporations in the state.
At the Chief Minister’s residence, Shri Sai congratulated the participating organizations for their partnership in the project, stating that it would give the state a new identity in cleanliness, energy production, and sustainable development. “This MoU marks another significant milestone in Chhattisgarh’s growth. We are rapidly moving towards producing compressed biogas from urban solid waste, making substantial progress in our mission for a cleaner and more sustainable future,” he said.
The Chief Minister further acknowledged the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Mission in raising awareness about cleanliness and highlighted the state’s improved performance in waste management. The new plants, set up in urban bodies, are expected to not only enhance cleanliness but also meet the state’s energy requirements by converting waste to energy, thus promoting the “waste to energy” concept.
Additionally, Shri Sai emphasized that the MoU would create employment opportunities and bring the expertise of government institutions like GAIL and BPCL to benefit the state’s sustainable initiatives. He urged all involved parties to complete the project within a fixed timeline.
A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Growth
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Saw noted that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the country has witnessed significant steps toward environmental protection and waste management. “With the MoU signed today, our cities will be cleaner, more beautiful, and energy-efficient,” he added.
The event was attended by several senior officials, including Chief Secretary Subodh Singh, Secretary to the Chief Minister P. Dayanand, and Dr. Basavaraju S, along with representatives from GAIL, BPCL, the CBDA, and officials from six urban municipalities.
Key Project Details and Environmental Impact
The initiative focuses on using 350 metric tonnes of urban solid waste and 500 metric tonnes of surplus biomass from the six participating municipal corporations—Ambikapur, Raigarh, Korba, Bilaspur, Rajnandgaon, and Dhamtari. This waste will be processed to produce approximately 70 metric tonnes of compressed biogas daily.
The project, which involves an investment of around Rs 600 crore by GAIL and BPCL, will not only contribute to the production of biofuel but also generate about Rs 6 crore annually in GST revenue for the state. Moreover, it will support organic farming through the co-products produced at the plants, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move the state closer to achieving net zero emissions.
This step marks a pivotal moment in Chhattisgarh’s environmental journey, contributing to both sustainable development and the creation of a circular economy centered around waste-to-energy practices.
