Bio-CNG plant to solve stubble issue

Tribune News Service

Mohali, August 12 

In a bid to solve the stubble burning problem here, the Punjab Government has given nod to Mahindra Waste to Energy Solutions Ltd for setting up a bio-CNG plant in the Dera Bassi area here. 

“The plant will generate bio-CNG from agricultural waste to operate vehicles and generators, apart from providing organic fertiliser for cultivation. The plant will also provide additional income to farmers as the straw will be procured from them at the market price,” said Mohali Deputy Commissioner Gurpreet Kaur Sapra. Sapra said with this plant coming into operation, all problems related to stubble burning would be solved. 

“Multiple problems such as soil health erosion and environmental pollution caused due to stubble burning would be redressed permanently. Besides, it will also support farmers in improving the soil fertility with organic fertiliser,” said Sapra, adding that the plant would also 

generate employment by engaging people in the operation and maintenance of the plant.

The Deputy Commissioner revealed that Mahindra would invest over Rs 15 crore in setting up the plant, which would consume 10,500 tonnes of paddy straw per year. Mahindra Waste to Energy Solutions Ltd is already running three such projects in different states and work is in progress on nine more projects.