Lucknow: A biogas plant planned by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) to improve waste management and the city’s Swachh Survekshan ranking has been delayed, with work stuck for more than a year, reports Hindustan Times.
The project was cleared in July 2023 with a one-year completion target. A private company started some of the civil work, but progress stopped because there is no proper road, streetlights, or other basic facilities at the site.
LMC environmental engineer Sanjeev Pradhan said the company had done the initial work long ago. “The project slowed down because the site was not ready with road and other facilities. We are now working to build the approach road so that the machines can be brought in,” he explained.
Municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar said the civic body had reminded the company several times to continue construction. “We have been asking the agency to move ahead with the work. If it does not act, we will step in,” he said.
The private company, however, has argued that LMC must first ensure road connectivity and lighting before it can install the equipment.
Recently, divisional commissioner Roshan Jacob visited the site and told both sides to settle the issues quickly. She asked officials to finish the paperwork, put up a project board, and make sure work starts soon. She also confirmed that the earlier land dispute had already been resolved.
Once completed, the plant will handle 100–150 tons of cow dung and green waste every day from municipal shelters. It will produce 15 tons of biogas daily, which will be turned into CNG and used to run LMC vehicles at a price lower than the market rate.
The project is being funded by a private company, while LMC will earn rent for the land. The plant is expected to be ready by 2026. Officials said it will help reduce pressure on landfills, provide clean fuel, and improve the city’s waste management.
An LMC official said the project will be important for “keeping the city cleaner and putting waste to better use.”
