New bio-CNG plant likely in Thiruvananthapuram

Due to the inefficiency of decentralized waste management systems, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) are now preparing to establish a centralized bio-CNG plant in the state capital. According to reports, the local authorities are actively searching for a suitable site for the plant.

Following the model of the plant underway at Brahmapuram in Kochi, this new plant will be developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. Despite the introduction of door-to-door collection for non-biodegradable waste as part of the ‘Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam’ campaign, its effectiveness has been limited, evident in the city’s poor performance in the Swaccha Sarvekshan survey.

Furthermore, the Central Government is also not supporting the decentralized waste management apparently. The proposed bio-CNG plant is slated to occupy about 10 acres of land. Many players have expressed their interest in the bio-CNG plant. The local authorities will simply need to provide the land, as advancements in technology ensure that modern waste management plants will not encounter the same issues as their predecessors.

Kerala is also moving towards ‘Waste To Energy’ by adopting the ‘Goa Model’ for waste management. Recently, the National Green Tribunal has mandated the Kerala Government to adopt the Goa model for solid waste management and has provided specific guidelines for the implementation. A team appointed by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board had subsequently conducted a study in Goa to examine the effective execution of the model and has compiled a comprehensive report.

The Kerala state government is initiating the establishment of centralized bio-CNG plants in major cities as a strategic response to the prevailing waste crisis. This move comes in the aftermath of a fire incident at the Brahmapuram dumping yard, which severely impacted Kochi, prompting the government’s approval to install a bio-CNG plant for effective waste management in the city.

Kerala has endorsed proposals from BPCL and GAIL to establish bio-CNG plants in key urban centers.