Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban

On October 2, 2024, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Gwalior’s new 100 TPD cattle dung-based Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant, exemplifying his vision for a "Waste to Wealth" initiative. The CBG plant is Gwalior's largest cowshed, Adarsh Gaushala, located in Laltipara, Gwalior. The Gaushala is operated by Gwalior Municipal Corporation and over 10,000 cattle live here. The Gaushala has achieved a landmark feat with the establishment of India's first modern, self-sufficient gaushala that houses a state-of-the-art Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant. The speciality of this plant is that it is the first CBG plant in Madhya Pradesh in which biogas will be prepared from cattle dung and garbage such as vegetable and fruit waste materials collected from mandis and homes.

This ambitious project, worth Rs 31 crores, has been developed in collaboration with the Indian Oil Corporation and spans 5 acres, according to district authorities. The gaushala's CBG plant converts cow dung, an often- underutilized resource, into Bio CNG (compressed natural gas) and organic manure. This initiative supports sustainability and reduces carbon emissions. The plant processes 100 tons of cattle dung daily to produce 2 tons of compressed biogas and 10-15 tons of dry bio-manure, a valuable by-product for organic farming. The plant is not only technologically advanced but also designed for long-term sustainability. The project also incorporates provisions for windrow composting, located adjacent to the main plant, which will allow for further organic waste processing.

The CBG plant at Laltipara Gaushala stands as a model of successful collaboration between society and government, setting a world-class benchmark in sustainable development. The plant produces 2-3 tons of Bio-CNG daily, providing a cleaner, eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels and helping reduce carbon emissions.

By utilizing cow dung for energy, it helps curb carbon emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, making a valuable contribution to climate change mitigation. This initiative also creates employment opportunities for locals, boosting the economy while promoting skills in green energy and sustainable practices.

Furthermore, local farmers will benefit directly from this project. With bio-manure readily available at affordable prices, farmers in nearby districts are encouraged to adopt organic farming practices.

The Laltipara Gaushala CBG plant is more than just an industrial facility—it represents a holistic approach to sustainability that balances environmental responsibility with economic and social benefits. As India’s first self-reliant gaushala of its kind, it is a pioneering model for other regions to replicate.