Waste to wealth: KMC to develop cattle dung-based bio-gas plant at gaushala and nandigram

In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘waste to wealth’ initiative, the Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC) is set to develop a cattle dung-based bio-gas plant at its gaushala and nandigram in Phoosgarh, on the outskirts of the city. The initiative aims at effectively managing cattle dung while generating electricity to run gaushala and nandigram.

The KMC’s gaushala and nandigram currently house around 1,000 cattle, producing nearly six tonnes of dung daily. The proposed bio-gas plant will have a capacity of 150 cubic metres and will utilize the cattle waste to produce energy, ensuring a self-sustaining model for the facility.

KMC Commissioner Dr Vaishali Sharma highlighted the benefits of the project, saying, “To utilise the cattle dung within the gaushala and nandigram, we are going to start a bio-gas plant, which will generate power. We will utilise this power to run the gaushala and nandigram. The CCTV cameras, machines and other equipment will also be run with the help of electricity.”

She claimed that the step will reduce dependency on conventional power sources and enhance the efficiency of gaushala operations. Apart from electricity generation, the bio-gas plant will also contribute to environmental sustainability by promoting clean energy.

Ashok Kumar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (AMC) said the assessment process to install the bio-gas plant would be completed soon, after which the agency would install it.

Col PS Bindra (retd), environmentalist and brand ambassador of the Swachh Bharat Mission designated by the KMC, said, “Karnal has thousands of cows in various gaushalas, producing methane, which is 25 times more harmful than carbon dioxide. To address this, a pilot biogas project is being started and it will be commissioned in the next two months. The initiative will not only prevent methane pollution but also generate electricity, reduce energy bills and provide free biogas for cooking. Once successful, more such plants will be established, significantly reducing pollution levels. The project aligns with our mission for a cleaner, greener Karnal, setting an example for other cities to follow.”

Residents of Phoosgarh and surrounding areas welcomed the move. They are optimistic about the impact of the bio-gas plant. They believe it will not only improve the management of gaushala and nandigram but also help in maintaining hygiene and reducing pollution caused by untreated cattle waste. “We believe such projects can serve as a model for waste management and renewable energy in urban areas. We welcome the move as it will help in maintaining hygiene in the locality,” said Raj Kumar, a resident.