From trash to cash, Delhi’s green secret

In a significant step toward sustainable energy and waste management, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the city’s first large-scale biogas plant at Nangli Dairy on Saturday. Spanning 2.72 acres, the plant has a 200-tonne-per-day capacity, designed to convert cattle dung and biodegradable waste into compressed biogas (CBG) and manure.

Addressing the gathering, CM Gupta called the launch a “proud moment” for the city and emphasized the urgent need for more such facilities. “Delhi produces nearly 1,500 metric tonnes of cow dung daily, and one plant is far from enough. This facility will help clean drains, reduce pollution in the Yamuna, generate green energy, and even contribute to revenue,” she said.

Key Highlights of the Nangli Biogas Plant:

• Daily capacity: 200 tonnes of cow dung and biodegradable waste.

• Energy production: 14,000 cubic metres of raw biogas daily, yielding 5.6 tonnes of CBG, enough to power 25,000-30,000 households annually.

• Revenue potential: Estimated ₹16 crore per year from the sale of CBG and manure.

• Environmental impact: Reduces nutrient load in drains and the Yamuna, preventing algae growth and improving water quality.

• Byproducts: Organic manure for agriculture, promoting circular waste management.

The plant tackles waste at its source, preventing cow dung and biodegradable waste from entering drains and water bodies. Untreated organic waste releases nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which can trigger algae growth and reduce oxygen levels in rivers. By processing this waste into compressed biogas and organic manure, the plant not only generates green energy and fertilizer but also helps keep Delhi’s drainage system and the Yamuna cleaner.

CM Gupta criticized the previous AAP government, alleging that despite funds being sanctioned in 2018, the project was delayed for years due to political inertia. “It took eight years to complete because the earlier government kept blaming Modi ji instead of working. Only when the central and state governments worked together did the project move forward,” she said.

Officials highlighted that the biogas plant aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting green energy across the country. With rising urban waste and environmental concerns, this initiative marks a crucial step for Delhi in embracing sustainable energy solutions and effective waste management.

The inauguration was attended by Power and Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood, BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat, and other dignitaries.