300-tonne Bio-CNG project approved for Pune

In a significant step toward sustainable urban development, the Maharashtra Government has given nod for the development of a major waste-to-energy project that will convert Pune’s wet waste into bio-CNG. A new bio-CNG project will be set up to process 300 tonnes of organic waste every day and generate green gas. The plant will be built outside the city by a private contractor.

The bio-CNG project has received official approval through a government resolution, and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will be issuing tender to begin the process of execution. The PMC’s proposal was reviewed and approved at the 17th meeting of the state-level technical committee. This committee was chaired by the Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department.

This bio-CNG plant aligns with the objectives of the Swachh Maharashtra Mission, which aims to make all urban areas in the state waste-free through scientific waste management.

The bio-CNG plant will be developed with financial assistance from both the central and state governments. The total sanctioned cost for the project is Rs 82.10 crore, with Rs 20.52 crore from the central government, Rs 28.73 crore from the state, and the remaining Rs 32.84 crore to be contributed by the PMC.

The plant will be constructed beyond municipal limits of Pune. Officials noted that no suitable plot was available within city boundaries, necessitating its development in a peri-urban location. This distance is also being maintained due to the nature of the facility & the need for a mandatory buffer zone of at least 200 metres from any residential area.

The appointed private contractor will be responsible for identifying the appropriate site and constructing the plant infrastructure.