India’s First Self-Reliant Gaushala with State-of-the-Art CBG Plant in Gwalior

Gwalior: On October 2, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a revolutionary 100-ton-per-day cattle dung-based Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant at Gwalior’s Adarsh Gaushala in Laltipara. This initiative is a significant stride in the Prime Minister’s vision of “Waste to Wealth,” transforming organic waste into sustainable energy.

The CBG plant, located within Gwalior’s largest cowshed housing over 10,000 cattle, is a pioneering effort by the Gwalior Municipal Corporation in collaboration with the Indian Oil Corporation. Developed at a cost of ₹31 crore, the plant marks Madhya Pradesh’s first facility to produce biogas from cattle dung and organic waste, such as vegetable and fruit remnants collected from markets and households.

Spread across five acres, the facility exemplifies modern technology and sustainability. It produces two tons of compressed biogas daily and generates 10-15 tons of dry bio-manure, promoting organic farming and sustainable waste management practices.

The plant incorporates advanced technologies, including windrow composting, enabling further processing of organic waste. By converting cow dung—a frequently underutilized resource—into Bio-CNG and organic manure, the plant not only mitigates carbon emissions but also provides a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.

“By leveraging biogas production, this project sets a global benchmark in sustainable development and aligns with India’s climate change mitigation goals,” said a district official.

Farmers in nearby districts stand to gain significantly from the project, with bio-manure available at affordable prices encouraging the adoption of organic farming. Additionally, the facility has created employment opportunities for locals, fostering skill development in green energy and sustainable practices.

The Laltipara Gaushala CBG plant represents more than just an industrial initiative. It is a holistic model that harmonizes environmental sustainability with economic and social progress. As the first self-sufficient gaushala of its kind in India, it sets a precedent for replication across other regions.

Highlighting the broader significance of the initiative, Prime Minister Modi emphasized its role in promoting sustainability and community empowerment. He reiterated India’s commitment to leveraging innovative solutions to address environmental challenges while creating tangible benefits for society.

With its inauguration, the Gwalior CBG plant not only advances the region’s sustainability goals but also strengthens India’s position as a global leader in green energy initiatives.