The Andhra Pradesh government has approved a major initiative to tackle urban waste by setting up compressed biogas plants that will convert municipal waste into fuel, The Morning Voice reported.
The government has sanctioned Rs 59.85 crore for the project, under which four new plants will be established in Rajamahendravaram, Nellore, Guntur and Ongole. In addition, an existing but non-operational plant in Vijayawada will be revived and upgraded with modern technology.
The project was initially planned under a public-private partnership model, but the government decided to implement it directly after receiving no response to tenders.
Each plant will be able to process 25 tonnes of wet waste per day, with all five plants together handling 125 tonnes daily and converting it into fuel. The CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology will act as the technical advisor for the project.
Officials said the initiative will help reduce pressure on landfill sites and cut pollution caused by open dumping and burning of waste. It is also expected to support the idea of converting waste into useful resources while improving cleanliness in cities.
The Municipal Administration Department plans to begin work on the project soon and complete it within the set timeline so that the plants can become operational for public use.
