New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Gwalior’s new 100 TPD cattle dung-based compressed biogas (CBG) plant, exemplifying his vision for a "Waste to Wealth" initiative on October 2, 2024.
 

The CBG plant is located at Gwalior's largest cowshed, Adarsh Gaushala, in Laltipara. Operated by the Gwalior Municipal Corporation, the gaushala is home to over 10,000 cattle. It has achieved a milestone by becoming India’s first modern, self-sufficient gaushala housing a state-of-the-art compressed biogas plant. This is also the first CBG plant in Madhya Pradesh to prepare biogas from cattle dung and organic waste, including vegetable and fruit scraps collected from mandis and households.
 

According to the district authority, this ambitious project, spread over 5 acres, has been developed in collaboration with the Indian Oil Corporation at a cost of Rs 31 crore. The CBG plant transforms cow dung, an often-underutilised resource, into bio-CNG (compressed natural gas) and organic manure. This promotes sustainable practices while reducing carbon emissions. The plant produces two tonnes of compressed biogas daily from 100 tonnes of cattle dung. Additionally, it generates 10–15 tonnes of dry bio-manure daily, a valuable by-product for organic farming. The project also includes provisions for windrow composting, enabling further organic waste processing.
 

The CBG plant at Laltipara Gaushala is a model of successful collaboration between society and government, setting a benchmark in sustainable development. By generating 2–3 tonnes of bio-CNG daily, it offers a cleaner, eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels, contributing to reduced carbon emissions.
 

The use of cow dung for energy not only helps curb greenhouse gas emissions but also makes a meaningful contribution to mitigating climate change. This initiative creates employment opportunities for locals, boosts the economy, and promotes skills in green energy and sustainable practices.
 

Local farmers benefit directly from the project as the bio-manure produced is available at affordable prices, encouraging organic farming in nearby districts.
 

The Laltipara Gaushala CBG plant represents a holistic approach to sustainability, balancing environmental responsibility with economic and social benefits. As India’s first self-reliant gaushala of its kind, it serves as a pioneering model for replication in other regions.


Source: PIB