Bio-CNG project to end waste conundrum in Salem

Tamil Nadu’s Salem city is advancing towards modern waste management with two key projects – biomining of legacy waste at Chettichavadi and the construction of a bio-CNG plant. The objective is to deal scientifically with nearly 550 tonnes of waste that is generated every day in Salem. Together, these initiatives aim to cut landfill dependency, improve sanitation and turn waste into a renewable energy resource.

Municipal Commissioner M. Elangovan has informed that public awareness on segregation is yielding results, with 80% of household waste already segregated at source. Of the total waste, about 45% from homes and nearly 90% from markets is organic.

Today, about 50 tonnes of the waste is treated at micro-composting centres, while the rest ends up at the Chettichavadi dump yard.

The upcoming bio-CNG plant, budgeted at Rs 57 crore under a public–private partnership, has secured land and concession agreements. Construction will take a year, and the 20-year contract ensures long-term operation. The plant will process 160 tonnes of organic waste per day initially, scaling up to 200 tonnes. With each tonne fetching Rs 315, the corporation expects daily revenues of about Rs 50,000. The bio-CNG produced will power municipal vehicles and buses, supporting Salem’s clean energy goals.

As per reports, the legacy waste management is underway at Chettichavadi and about 15,000 cubic metres have already been cleared, with a target of one lakh tonnes in six months. Authorities reveal that biomining will not only reduce foul odours and groundwater risks but also reclaim degraded land for future use.

Waste Management Efforts of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is striving to clear the mountains of legacy waste through scientific disposal with the use of bio-CNG & other waste to energy projects. The Madurai Corporation is constructing a waste-to-energy plant near Vellaikal dumpyard. Tiruchi City Corporation is setting up a bio-CNG plant with Rs 35 crore at the Ariyamangalam dump yard, with the capacity to process about 100 tonnes of organic waste daily.

Plans are underway to establish a biogas plant at Vellalore in Coimbatore as a crucial step in reducing waste accumulation at the dump yard in the area. Similarly, Tambaram City Municipal Corporation made a budgetary announcement for the development of a Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plant to manage the 400 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste.