Belagavi: After months of delay, a compressed biogas (CBG) project in Belagavi may see fresh progress, with the city corporation restarting efforts to identify land, this time in the Udyambag area.
The Rs 54.20 crore project, to be implemented by Gas Authority of India Limited under the central government’s GOBARdhan Scheme, had stalled earlier due to the lack of a suitable site. Previous locations, including the Turmuri waste processing facility and other plots across the city, were dropped following strong opposition from local residents, All About Belgaum reported.
In a renewed attempt, civic officials inspected land in Udyambag on Monday. The team included Assistant Executive Engineer Hanumant Kaladgi, along with environmental engineers Adil Khan and Pravin Kumar, who assessed the feasibility of the site.
Initial observations suggest the location could be suitable, though a final decision is still pending. Officials indicated that the process is being fast-tracked to revive the long-delayed project.
Udyambag is being considered a strong option for two main reasons. Land in the area had earlier been earmarked for a waste-to-energy project that did not materialise and is believed to still be available. Additionally, the absence of nearby residential settlements reduces the likelihood of public resistance, which had derailed earlier plans.
The proposed facility aims to process around 150 tonnes of wet waste generated daily in the city to produce biogas, offering a more sustainable waste management solution.
Officials said the entire project cost, including operations, will be borne by GAIL, placing no financial burden on the municipal corporation.
However, the project’s progress will depend on how quickly land is finalised. Further delays could once again stall the initiative.
Uncertainty has also emerged following the reported transfer of Kaladgi, who has been closely involved with the project. Authorities said efforts are underway to address the issue, but maintained that the site selection process will continue.
For now, Udyambag remains the focus as the city looks to move forward with a key project aimed at turning waste into energy.
