DELHI: MCD, NDDB plan 10 biogas plants to make dairies ‘sustainable’

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has drawn up an ambitious action plan to check the flow of untreated dairy waste into the Yamuna through the capital’s drains. The strategy centres on the development of ten new biogas plants to scientifically manage bio-waste generated in dairies of Delhi.

Besides, the civic body would also be setting up nine wastewater treatment facilities, revamping drainage networks in dairy colonies and constructing sedimentation chambers to intercept cattle dung before it reaches water bodies.

Under directions to coordinate with the National Dairy Development Board, the MCD and the Delhi government will jointly manage waste generated by dairies and cow shelters across the city.

Recently Cooperative Minister Amit Shah urged the Delhi administration to work on managing dairy waste scientifically. Last year, Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil has called on the milk milk cooperatives and dairies to accelerate the development of CBG plants that will transform cattle dung and other organic waste into sustainable energy and organic manure.

In September last year, MCD had commissioned its first 200-tonnes-per-day (TPD) biogas plant at Nangli dairy in southwest Delhi. Two additional plants are currently under construction at Goyla dairy and Ghogha dairy.

According to the new proposal, 200 TPD biogas plants will be set up at Ghazipur and Bhalswa dairies over 10 acres each. Facilities of 75 TPD capacity are planned for Masoodpur dairy and Madanpur Khadar, while 100 TPD plants are proposed at Sarita Vihar and Pitampura.

Reports hold that larger 200 TPD units will come up at Mangolpuri near the Outer Ring Road, Sector 3 Rohini and Sagarpur, along with a 50 TPD plant at Sri Ram Colony near Khajuri Khas. Collectively, the plants will span nearly 35 acres, with six sites belonging to the Delhi Development Authority, for which land allotment letters have been issued.

Additionally, the MCD has earmarked around Rs 34 crore for drainage overhauls and decentralised sewage treatment plants (DSTPs) in dairy clusters. Units with 100 KLD capacity will be installed in Nangli, Goyla, Kakrola, Ghogha, Bhalswa and Jharoda dairies, among others.