Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Orders Task Forces To Fast-Track Waste-To-Biogas Projects Across Cities

Mumbai's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed the creation of task forces to accelerate projects that convert waste into Compressed Biogas (CBG). This initiative aims to alleviate urban waste management pressures and transform cities in Maharashtra into waste-free environments. During a meeting at his official residence, Varsha, Fadnavis emphasized the importance of identifying appropriate locations for these projects, taking into account factors such as waste generation, land availability, technology needs, and proximity to gas pipelines.

Fadnavis called for a collaborative approach, involving players from the CBG sector, oil companies, and local self-governments. He highlighted that these projects could assist municipal corporations in cutting down expenses related to waste collection while ensuring proper disposal and promoting biogas production. The Maharashtra state is focusing on the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with specific areas such as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Vasai-Virar, Mira-Bhayandar, Kalyan-Dombivli, Hinjawadi, and Chakan in Pune identified as potential sites for such projects.

During the discussion, officials shared the experience of a successful waste-to-CBG project in Nagpur carried out by Keva Green. The officials also deliberated on a cluster-based approach, where waste from neighboring cities could be processed at shared facilities. The speakers stressed the significance of segregating waste at the source and transporting it to suitable processing sites outside city limits.

This could help alleviate pressure on urban land, while locating plants near gas pipelines would reduce transportation costs.

Fadnavis urged officials to prioritize scientific waste management, effective utilization of existing technologies, and accurate identification of land to ensure that these projects are implemented systematically and efficiently.