IIT Delhi to help build biogas plants across villages of Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated large-scale establishment of biogas plants across the state for the generation of clean energy & protection of cow. This will happen with technical support from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.

The technical guidance for this initiative is being led by Professor Virendra Kumar Vijay of IIT Delhi’s Biogas Development Training Centre, along with a team of experts and students, including Ratnesh Tiwari, Akshay Srivastava, Chintan Dave and Dr Mangaram. The team is actively supporting the installation, operation and maintenance of biogas plants to ensure their long-term sustainability.

As part of this effort, 18 biogas plants have already been set up in Palinda village in Jhansi district. The village is being developed as a “Natural Farming Village,” where biogas generated from cow dung will be used as a clean and affordable cooking fuel for households. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader plan to develop one model village in every district, promoting eco-friendly and self-reliant rural ecosystems.

According to Shyam Bihari Gupta, Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Gau Seva Ayog, the biogas project will reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers by providing farmers with high-quality organic manure. This will not only improve soil health but also promote the availability of chemical-free agricultural produce in the market.

The state government plans to scale up this model across Uttar Pradesh, positioning it as a blueprint for clean energy adoption, rural prosperity, and sustainable agriculture. The initiative is expected to strengthen the rural economy while fostering environmental conservation and self-reliance among farmers.

Uttar Pradesh is striving fast in the direction of household biogas projects to protect cattles & bolster circular economy in rural side. In 2024, the Yogi Adityanath government unveiled plans to offer land for cow dung-based biogas plants. Last month, Uttar Pradesh Gau Seva Aayog has proposed a plan for installation of mini biogas plants in more than one lakh rural households across the state.

Besides, the Ayog has also announced plans to set up biogas plants in more than 300 cow shelters across the state.