Indore, India’s cleanest city, is taking a pioneering step in urban waste management by setting up the country’s first green waste processing plant under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This innovative project, developed under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, aims to convert green waste into valuable resources, reinforcing Indore’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.

Plant Overview and Location

The plant will be established on 55,000 square feet of land in Bicholi Hapsi, a strategic location identified to facilitate efficient waste processing. The facility is designed to recycle wood and branches into wooden pellets, providing a sustainable alternative to coal and contributing to reducing air pollution. This initiative will enhance Indore’s waste management capabilities while promoting eco-friendly energy solutions.

Revenue Generation for Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC)

A unique feature of this project is the financial viability it offers to the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC). IMC will earn Rs. 3,000 (US$ 34.66) per tonne in royalty for supplying green waste to the plant. This revenue stream will support further improvements in the city’s waste management infrastructure and facilitate ongoing sustainability initiatives.

Daily Waste Generation and Seasonal Variations

Indore generates approximately 30 tonnes of green waste daily, primarily from garden waste, institutional waste, and seasonal foliage. During the autumn season, waste generation peaks at 60-70 tonnes per day, making it imperative to have an efficient processing mechanism in place. The integration of institutional waste collection into the system ensures that the plant operates at optimal capacity year-round.

Operational Process: Transforming Waste into Resources

The green waste processing plant will be operated by Astronomical Industries Private Limited, a company known for its expertise in waste-to-energy solutions. The plant will utilize a drying process lasting three to four months, which will reduce the moisture content of the waste by 90%, converting it into fine sawdust.

This sawdust will be repurposed into various eco-friendly products, including:

• Biodegradable packaging materials
• Furniture components
• Organic fertilisers
• Disposable plates

By reducing the reliance on plastic-based packaging and single-use items, the plant will contribute to environmental sustainability and reduce plastic pollution.

Role of Composting Pits and Municipal Gardens

In addition to the green waste processing plant, composting pits in Indore’s municipal gardens will be used to process garden waste, further enhancing the city’s waste management capabilities. This approach ensures that all types of green waste are efficiently utilized, minimizing landfill usage and reducing the environmental footprint.

Supplying Clean Energy: NTPC and Industrial Use

The wooden pellets produced by the plant will be supplied to the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and other industries as a clean energy source, reducing dependency on coal and fossil fuels. This initiative aligns with India’s renewable energy goals and helps in controlling the Air Quality Index (AQI) by minimizing harmful emissions. Wooden pellets serve as an excellent carbon-neutral fuel alternative, supporting India’s transition towards cleaner energy sources.

Alignment with Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban and Garbage-Free Cities Vision

The establishment of the PPP green waste processing plant aligns with the Garbage-Free Cities vision under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban. Indore has consistently led India’s clean city rankings, and this initiative reinforces its status as a model city for waste management and environmental sustainability.

Key Benefits of the Green Waste Plant

1. Environmental Conservation: Reduces green waste in landfills, lowering methane emissions and promoting cleaner surroundings.
2. Economic Gains for IMC: Generates consistent revenue through waste processing, contributing to the financial stability of municipal services.
3. Sustainable Energy Supply: Produces eco-friendly wooden pellets as a clean energy source, reducing reliance on conventional fossil fuels.

Promoting Circular Economy and Sustainability

The green waste processing plant promotes a circular economy by converting waste into valuable resources. The sawdust derived from green waste will be used in industries to create biodegradable packaging materials and furniture, reducing the use of non-renewable resources. Furthermore, the plant’s ability to process institutional and seasonal waste ensures that no waste goes to landfill, contributing to zero-waste goals.

Collaboration with Astronomical Industries Private Limited

The partnership between IMC and Astronomical Industries Private Limited reflects a successful public-private collaboration aimed at enhancing India’s waste management infrastructure. The company’s expertise in waste-to-energy conversion ensures that the project operates efficiently, contributing to Indore’s sustainability targets.

Enhancing Air Quality and Reducing Pollution

By supplying wooden pellets to NTPC and other industries, the project plays a critical role in controlling the Air Quality Index (AQI). Replacing coal with wooden pellets as a fuel source helps reduce particulate matter emissions and minimizes the harmful impact on air quality. This transition to clean energy is essential for meeting India’s climate targets and environmental sustainability goals.

Future Prospects and Scalability

Indore’s green waste processing plant sets a benchmark for other Indian cities to emulate. As India continues to focus on sustainable urban development, replicating this PPP model across the country can lead to wider adoption of waste-to-energy technologies. The success of this project opens avenues for expanding waste management capacities and promoting eco-friendly practices in urban areas nationwide.

Conclusion: Indore Leading the Way in Waste Management Innovation

With the launch of India’s first green waste processing plant under the PPP model, Indore is once again demonstrating its leadership in sustainable waste management. This initiative not only supports the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban but also generates revenue for IMC, reduces plastic dependency, and provides clean energy solutions. As India progresses toward its Garbage-Free Cities vision, Indore’s innovative approach serves as a blueprint for other cities to achieve sustainable urban development while contributing to a cleaner and greener future.

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