20-TPD biogas plant inaugurated in Kolhapur

Maharashtra’s Guardian Minister Prakash Abitkar has inaugurated a new 20-tonne-per-day biogas plant at the Kasba Bawda solid waste management facility in Kolhapur. He also launched a new pump set at the Shingnapur pumping station for 2023–24 under the Maharashtra Suvarna Jayanti Nagar Utthan Yojana.

At the event, the foundation stone was laid for another pump set to be installed at Shingnapur–Nagdevwadi in 2025–26. The ceremony was attended by MP Shahu Chhatrapati, MLAs Rajesh Kshirsagar and Amal Mahadik, KMC administrator K. Manjulekshmi, and senior civic officials.

Developed under the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, the biogas facility is a joint effort of the Centre, the Maharashtra government, and the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC). The plant is expected to strengthen Kolhapur’s waste processing capacity by converting organic waste into clean energy.

Speaking at the inauguration, Abitkar stressed the role of infrastructure in urban development. He added that roads, water and sanitation are essential for any city. This biogas project will help address Kolhapur’s waste management issues, but we must continue exploring new ways to improve cleanliness. KMC should keep enhancing sanitation facilities for citizens.

MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar, who also heads the state planning commission, noted the significant improvement at the Kasba Bawda waste management site. “Solid waste management is a global challenge. This area once struggled with stray animals and unhygienic conditions, troubling local residents. Today, the site has transformed. I appreciate the committed work of the KMC administration,” he said.