Mayem: A family in a remote Goan village has taken a significant step toward sustainability by installing a home biogas plant. Rupesh Chopdekar and his family have not only reduced their household waste but also created an eco-friendly source of cooking gas, reports O Heraldo.
The Chopdekars are the only family in Goa to implement this system, joining two educational institutions—Shiroda College and Arambol College—that have also adopted similar setups.
According to Chopdekar, the plant has been functioning smoothly for over a year without the need for maintenance. Installed outdoors, it operates effectively in all weather conditions without requiring special protection.
“We researched the process thoroughly before deciding to install the plant, and we saw its benefits firsthand,” Chopdekar said. He expressed gratitude to the New India Multipurpose Cooperative Society (NIMS) in Mapusa, particularly Managing Director Samir Morajkar and Chairman Adv. Tanaji Sawant, for their support in making the installation possible.
The biogas plant has a capacity of 2 cubic metres and costs Rs 65,000, with nearly half of the expense covered by a government subsidy. Approved by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), it can process around 5 kg of kitchen waste daily, except for eggshells, and generate up to two hours of cooking gas. Equal amounts of water are required for processing the waste.
In addition to cutting LPG use by half, the plant produces approximately 5 litres of nutrient-rich slurry daily, which is highly beneficial for agriculture.
Rajesh Gauns, the NIMS installation in-charge, explained that the initial setup involves mixing 150 kg of cow dung with 1,000 litres of water to create the necessary anaerobic bacteria culture. This is a one-time process. Once the bacteria are established, which takes about three weeks, regular kitchen waste can be added,” Gauns said.
The biogas plant is expected to last at least 15 years, possibly longer, with minimal maintenance. Chopdekar emphasized that since installing the system, they have encountered no problems, only benefits.
“Our community has become more aware of waste management. Earlier, people would dump waste along the roadside, but now they bring it to our plant, understanding its value,” he said.
He also highlighted that the plant operates without any unpleasant odour, as the entire process takes place in a sealed environment. Farmers, too, can benefit by using cow dung instead of kitchen waste. When 20 kg of cow dung is mixed with an equal amount of water, it can produce around 40 litres of slurry.
Gauns pointed out that a larger version of the plant, with a 7 cubic metre capacity, can handle up to 12 kg of wet waste daily. This model produces four hours of cooking gas and about 30 litres of slurry, costing approximately Rs 1 lakh.
The methane gas produced by the biogas plant is a clean and sustainable alternative to LPG. Gauns assured that the plant is built with eco-friendly, rat-resistant materials, ensuring its durability even when filled with waste and gas.
Reflecting on their experience, Chopdekar expressed satisfaction with the plant’s impact on their home. “We haven’t faced any issues in the past year—just benefits. We now have a steady supply of clean energy for cooking and nutrient-rich slurry for our plants. What started as a trial has become an essential part of our household,” he said.
Chopdekar believes biogas plants could help address Goa’s increasing wet waste problem while reducing reliance on LPG.
“If more families adopt such systems, it will ease the burden on large waste treatment facilities and contribute to cleaner villages,” he added.
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