Bhubaneswar, Ap 7: Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken a major step towards sustainable waste management by signing an agreement with Nexband Renewables to produce compressed natural gas (CNG) from vegetable waste generated in the city. BMC is the first urban local body in Odisha to adopt such a model for converting wet waste into CNG.

Currently, the civic body processes segregated waste through Micro Composting Centres and Material Recovery Facilities. With this new initiative, BMC aims to intensify efforts to adopt advanced and scientific methods to extract energy from organic waste. The project is expected to significantly reduce the load on the Temporary Transfer Station by diverting biodegradable vegetable waste for processing. It will also improve waste collection from markets, enhancing cleanliness in commercial areas while ensuring better utilisation of organic waste.

Authorities stated that the initiative will help cut transportation costs and operational challenges related to waste management. It will also contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, promoting cleaner urban environments, and supporting sustainable resource use.

Under the agreement, BMC will supply around 50 metric tonnes of vegetable waste daily, with the quantity varying seasonally. The waste will be collected from designated locations across the city and transported to Nexband Renewables’ compressed biogas plant at Begunia.

The memorandum of understanding was signed at the BMC headquarters in the presence of Mayor Sulochana Das, Commissioner Chanchal Rana, and other senior officials and corporators.