First community biogas project launched in Kashmir

The Rural Development Department (RDD) Kashmir has launched the construction of a 25,000-litre capacity community biogas plant in the Pathribal Gund area of Ganderbal district, as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission – Gramin (SBM-G).

The biogas project, estimated at Rs 35 lakh, is a key component of a larger initiative aimed at establishing similar plants across each district of Jammu and Kashmir.

This biogas plant in Ganderbal is set to become the first operational facility of its kind in the Kashmir Valley, marking a significant move towards decentralized renewable energy generation and organized rural waste management. The biogas plant will employ anaerobic digestion, using locally sourced cattle dung on a rotating basis. Through this microbial process in an oxygen-free environment, methane-rich biogas and organic slurry will be produced.

The biogas generated will primarily meet the cooking fuel needs of approximately 10 local households, while the slurry will serve as nutrient-rich manure for agricultural purposes. To overcome the region’s climate challenges, the digester will be equipped with a thermostatic control system to ensure ideal microbial activity.

Additionally, IoT-based sensors will monitor key parameters such as gas pressure, temperature, pH levels, and feedstock input in real time.

This initiative aims to reduce reliance on conventional fuels like LPG and firewood, while also providing an organized solution for managing cattle waste. The biogas project is expected to contribute to environmental sustainability by curbing methane emissions from untreated waste and promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Local households and dairy farmers will participate in the operation by providing feedstock, and a user-group committee will manage the plant’s functioning, ensuring fair distribution of the biogas. Authorities view this project as a demonstration model, showcasing the viability of community-scale biogas systems in high-altitude areas, with plans for similar initiatives across the Union Territory.