Trichy Corporation is taking bold steps to address the persistent issue of solid waste management by initiating the construction of a state-of-the-art bio-CNG plant in Ariyamangalam. The local body has released a tender for the project, with an estimated cost of Rs 300.7 million. This move comes as part of the corporation’s efforts to promote sustainable practices and reduce waste pollution in the city.
A Public-Private Partnership to Propel Sustainable Solutions
The Trichy Corporation has opted for a public-private partnership (PPP) model to undertake the construction of the bio-CNG plant. Through this partnership, the corporation aims to engage a trusted contractor who will finance, construct, operate, and transfer the plant. This approach ensures a sustainable plan for managing the organic waste produced by residential and commercial establishments. Under the PPP arrangement, the selected contractor will play a crucial role in generating biogas from the waste collected within the city. The goal is to transform vegetables, food, meat, and other organic waste into usable biogas, which will subsequently be packaged and delivered to various commercial consumers. This includes the use of bio-CNG as a greener fuel alternative for transportation vehicles.
A Lasting Solution to the Waste Problem
With an average waste production of 450-470 tonnes per day in the city, addressing the waste management problem has become an urgent priority for Trichy Corporation. As the ongoing biomining process approaches completion in the Ariyamangalam dump yard, the corporation envisions a lasting solution to recycling organic waste in the form of a biogas plant. The proposed bio-CNG plant will not only generate biogas from organic waste but also eliminate the need for the dump yard itself. This positive step will lead to an improvement in the city’s air quality by reducing the practice of waste burning. Moreover, the organic waste will be efficiently recycled, further enhancing the sustainability of Trichy’s solid waste management system.
Timeline and Future Plans
Trichy Corporation aims to identify the contractor for the bio-CNG plant by May, emphasizing its commitment to timely execution. Once the project is on track, the construction will take place on 2-3 acres of land within the rejuvenated Ariyamangalam dump yard. This utilization of previously unusable areas showcases the corporation’s innovative approach to space management. In addition to focusing on biodegradable waste, the corporation is also prioritizing the proper handling of non-biodegradable waste. Officials have announced plans to set up a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) to process non-biodegradable waste, including glass, metal, rubber, and plastic.
The intent is to sell these materials to scrap dealers and factories for reuse, contributing to the circular economy and reducing environmental impact. Trichy Corporation’s ambitious waste management measures demonstrate their dedication to prioritizing sustainability and keeping the city clean. The establishment of a bio-CNG plant and a Material Recovery Facility signify crucial milestones in promoting eco-friendly practices in waste management. Through these efforts, Trichy is set to become a pioneering city in waste recycling and sustainable development.
